Memoirs of Joseph John Gurney : with selections from his journal and correspondence

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MEMOIRS

OF

JOSEPH JOHN GURNEY;

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EDITED BV

JOSEPH SEVAN BRAITHWAITE.

•Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and
toward men." Acts xxiv. 10. — Motto selected by J. J. Gurnet/ for some of the earlier
volumes of his Journal.

IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.

PHILADELPHIA:

LIPPINCOTT, GBAMBO & CO.
1854.

Entere'l, Mcording to Act of Congress, in the year ISoi, hy
ELIZA P. G UK KEY,
the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of New Jersey

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Page

State of Feeling in the Society of Friends ; Publication of the
Beacon : Letter to Isaac Crewdson 11

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The Yearly Meeting; Appointment of a Committee to Visit Lan-
cashire ; Letter to the Author of the Defence in Reply to the
Beacon: First and Second Visits to Manchester; Journey in
Derbyshire and North Wales ; Illness and Death of his Wife 33

CHAPTER XXIX.

Third and fourth Visits to Manchester ; Extracts from Journal ;
Yearly Meeting ; Conclusion of the Labours of the Committee ;
Journey in Scotland and the North of England ; Prospect of
Visit to North America ; Letters; Granting of Certificates 01

CHAPTER XXX.

Voyage to America; Writes his Autobiography; Arrival at Phila-
delphia ; Journey to Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina ; Attend-
ance of Yearly Meetings ; Extracts from Letters and Journal ... 92

(v)

\

vi

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Pag«

Journey from Richmond to Washington ; Interviews with the
President, Henry Clay. John Quincy Adams, &c. ; Meeting at
Washington; Baltimore; Arrival at Philadelphia; Extracts from
Journal and Letters ; New York ; Rhode Island ; Massachusetts :
Justice Story; Dr. Channing; Reflections on completing his
fiftieth Year 110

CHAPTER XXXII.

Visit to the Seminary at Andover ; Conversation with Moses Stuart :
Anti-Slavery; Yale College; Professor Silliman ; Journey to
Canada; Correspondence with the Earl of Durham; Engage-
ments in Lower Canada ; Return to Baltimore Yearly Meeting ;
Visit to Friends at New York : Extracts from Letters and
Journal 141

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Conclusion of Labours at New York ; Illness at Flushing ; Pamphlet
on Slavery ; Second attendance of Yearly Meetings at Phila-
delphia and New York ; Labours in the State of New York and
in Upper Canada; Sing Sing Prison; Fenimore Cooper ; Tone-
wanta Indians; Baltimore Yearly Meeting; Prospect of Visit to
the West Indies 104

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Departure from New York; Voyage; Arrival at Santa Cruz; St.
Thomas'; Tortola ; St. Christophers ; Antigua; Dominica; Letter
from Thomas Fowell Buxton; Jamaica; Result of Investiga-
tions; Address to the Planters : Havana; Return to America. . . l'Jb

CHAPTER XXXV.

Savannah ; Charleston : Second Visit to Washington ; Interviews
with the President, J. C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, &c. ; New York
and New England Yearly Meetings; Letter to his Children:
Voyage Home ; Extracts from Journal . . . 219

CONTEXTS.

vii

CHAPTER XXXVI.

' Page

Publication of the Winter in the West Indies ; African Civilization
Society; Letters; Extracts from Journal; Address on Peace;
Yearly Meeting ; Engagement in Marriage ; Visit to Paris 241

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Departure for the Continent; Rotterdam; Gouda; the Hague; Visit
to the King and Queen of Holland ; Amsterdam ; Bremen ;
Hamburgh 2G4

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Progress to Copenhagen ; Engagements there ; Visit to the King
and Queen of Denmark ; Visit to Friends at Pyrmont and
Minden ; Hanover; Berlin; Journey into Silesia; Visit to the
King of Prussia ; Return Home 286

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Marriage; Re-settlement at Home; Extracts from Journal; Visit
to Friends at Bristol, &c. ; Narrow Escapes from a Mad Dog
and Poison ; Religious Engagements in Norfolk and Suffolk :
Total Abstinence : Publication of his Work on the Papal and
Hierarchical Systems ; commencement of long Journey in France
and Switzerland ; Boulogne; Amiens; Clermont; Paris 313

CHAPTER XL.

Engagements at Paris continued; Due de Broglie ; Gui/.ot; Do To-
queville; Protestant Meeting; French Bible Society; Visit to
the King and Queen at Neuilly; Journey to the South of France:
Macon ; Lyons ; Avignon ; Xismcs ; Congenies ; Visit to the
Friends; Illness at Congenies 337

viii

CONTEXTS.

CHAPTER XLI.

Page

Journey through Savoy into Switzerland ; Chamberry ; Anneci ;
Geneva ; Countess de Sellon ; Lausanne ; Neufehatel ; Zurich ;
Basle ; Strasburg ; Stutgard ; Visit to the King and Queen of
Wurtembetfg ; Brussels; Calais 204

CHAPTER XLII.

Total Abstinence Meeting at Norwich ; Marriage of his Daughter ;
Publication of his last Work, Thoughts on Habit and Discipline ;
Journey in France ; Boulogne ; Rouen ; Paris ; Orleans ; Tours ;
Mettray; Saumur; Nantes; La Rochclle ; Bordeaux; St. Foy :
Nerac ; Pau 393

CHAPTER XLIII.

Journey in France continued; Pau; Toulouse; Saverdun ; Mon-
tauban ; Orleans ; Paris ; Attendance of Yearly Meeting ; Voyage
to Guernsey : Jersey ; Labours there ; Lecture ou Total Absti-
nence; Water is Best; Return Home . ,. 120

CHAPTER XLIV.

Extracts from Journal ; Illness of his Sister Elizabeth Fry ; Letters
to her ; Letter to a Friend ; Illness of Sir T. F. Buxton, and
Letter to him 440

CHAPTER XLV.

Extracts from Journal ; Death of Sir T. F. Buxton ; Public Meeting
on the Endowment of Maynooth ; Letter to Dr. Chalmers on the
Duty of Christian Churches in Relation to Slavery ; Journey in
Scotland and the North of England ; Death of Elizabeth Fry . . . 459

CONTEXTS.

IX

CHAPTER XLVI.

Pago

Brief Memoirs of Sir T. F. Buxton and Elizabeth Fry ; Letter to
Sir Robert Peel on the Distress among the Norwich Poor ; Cor-
respondence on the Oregon Question ; Personal Trials ; Attends
the Yearly Meeting for the last time ; Letter to Sir Robert Peel
on the Introduction of Slave Grown Produce ; Declaration of
Faith 484

CHAPTER XL VII.

His last Engagements in the work of the Ministry ; Journey to
Darlington ; Last Illness, Death, and Funeral 508

Recollections of Joseph John Gurney, by his Daughter 531

Appendix — Declaration of Faith 545

LIFE

OF

JOSEPH JOHN GURNEY.

CHAPTER XXVII.
1835. — s,t. 47.

STATE OF FEELING IN THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS J PUBLICATION OF
THE BEACON; LETTER TO ISAAC CREWDSON.

Tlte interest felt by Joseph John Gurney in the
controversy that was at this time agitating the
Society of Friends, and the prominent part which
he was led to take in some of the proceedings to
which it gave rise, render some notice of it here
unavoidable. It is far from the object of these
pages to stir up painful recollections. No one
deplored more than he did the severance of ties
which had long united him to many whom he
loved and valued. Deeply as he was attached to
the religious community of Avhich he was a mem-
ber, from a settled conviction of the Christian
soundness of its principles, no one more regretted
the loss to that body of many whom he had hoped
to have seen numbered amongst its brightest orna-
ments. Nothing but a sense of duty could have

(11)

12

THE EARLY FRIEXDs

1835.

sustained liim in the course which he felt it ricjht
to take. It was a course attended with much
suffering and humiliation; and he has often spoken
of this period as one of the most sorrowful of his
life. It may be desirable here to premise a few obser-
vations for the information of the general reader.

The Society of Friends, as is well known, took
its rise about the middle of the 17th century.
Raised up at a period of religious excitement,
unparalleled in English history, the early Friends
were instrumental, under the divine blessing, in
bringing about a revival of primitive Christianity
and vital godliness, to which the general historian of
the Christian Church has not yet done justice. The
successors of these devoted men inherited the results
of their faithfulness in the enjoyment of a large
measure of civil and religious liberty; but, in the
midst of ease and abundance, worldliness in too many
instances gradually took possession of the heart ; cool-
ness succeeded to zeal; and a traditional attachment
to the opinions derived from early education, took
the place of that vital change and depth of conviction
which had wrought so marvellously in their fore-
fathers. True indeed it is, that, through the divine
mercy, there were preserved among them a consider-
able number of honest and true-hearted disciples of
Christ, who were enabled to hold fast the truth in the
love of it ; but no one who duly reflects upon the in-
ternal state of this religious body about the middle of
the last century, as it is unfolded in the mournful but
instructive pages of the Journals of some of its most
valued members at that period,* can fail to deplore

* See particularly the Journal of John Griffith.

iET. 47.

AND. THEIR SUCCESSORS.

13

the degeneracy that was then laying it waste.
Brighter days followed; increased attention to the
discipline purged the Society of many unworthy
members; and, without the ordinary human pro-
visions, or the stimulus of worldly emoluments, a
body of faithful ministers was still raised up to
preach, with increasing clearness and authority, the
unsearchable riches of Christ. Yet in this revival
there appeared lacking that thorough Christian
devotedness which was so remarkably manifested at
the rise of the Society. Whilst the preaching of
the gospel amongst Friends, at this period, was
often marked by great earnestness in setting forth
the spirituality of religion, and the necessity of its
inward operations, — it was not always connected
With an equally clear and practical enforcement of
other great and not less essential portions of
revealed truth, which, in the minds of the earlier
Friends, were inseparably connected with their
deep and comprehensive views of the soul-searching
and spiritual character of true Christianity.* And

* " Christ," says George Fox, "gave himself, his body, for the
life of the whole world; he was the offering for the sins of the
whole world; and paid the debt and made satisfaction." And surely
no one, who did not, in his heart, feel the deep practical value of
this precious truth, could have addressed his suffering friends in the
• following touching strain : — "The heavenly joy fill your hearts and
comfort you in the inward man in all tribulations ! The glorious
light is shining, the immortal is bringing forth out of death : the
prisoners have hope of their pardon, the debt being paid, and they
freely purchased by Christ's blood." And again, "The voice of the
Bridegroom is heard in our land, and Christ is come amongst the
prisoners, to visit them in their prison houses; they have all hopes
of releasement and free pardon, and to come out freely, for the debt
is paid. Wait for the manifestation of it, and he that comes out
of prison shall reign." Selections from George Fox's Epistles by

14

FRIENDS IN ENGLAND.

1835.

it may, perhaps, be added, that the increased
attention to the discipline, valuable and important
as it "was, was too often associated with a rigid
adherence to forms, and a tendency to multiply
rules, and to make the exact carrying of them out,
in degree at least, a substitute for that patient and
discriminating wisdom, tempered with love, which
should ever characterize Christian discipline. In
this country the revival was happily connected with
an increased attention to the education of the youth
(among the results of which may be noticed the
establishment of the school at Ackworth,) and to
the reading of the Holy Scriptures in families,
which, though always recommended and carefully
practised by the more faithful members, had too
much fallen into disuse. And it cannot but be
considered as a striking evidence of the general
prevalence of sound Christianity among the mem-
bers, that when, towards the close of the last
century, a minister from America attempted
publicly to throw discredit upon the writings of

Samuel Tuke, pp. 12 and 17, second edition. Without needlessly
multiplying quotations, this note may he closed hy the following tes-
timony recorded among the dying sayings of a Friend in the year
1G9S. The passage, is, it may he ohserved, on account of its excel-
lence, printed in large hlack letter, in the original editions of Piety
Promoted. " Now is my soul redeemed to God, and he that hath
redeemed me is near me. The sufferings and deatii of Christ,

AND niS AGONIES, THE SHEDDING OF HIS BLOOD, AND WHAT HE
HATH DONE FOR ME, I FEEL NOW THAT I HAVE TnE BENEFIT OP
ALL. BLESSED BE MY REDEEMER WHO IS NEAR ME." Piety
Promoted, part 2nd, p. 19, second edition. Truly could they, who
had been brought to such an experience, feelingly adopt the language
of the Apostle, "We joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom we have now received the atonement." Rom. v. 11.

JET. 47.

AND IN AMERICA.

15

the Old Testament, and when, in 1814, as has been
already stated, an individual who had been dis-
owned for promulgating Unitarian doctrines,
appealed to the Yearly Meeting for a reversal
of his disownment ; in each of these cases the
Yearly Meeting openly disavowed the opinions
attempted to be pressed upon it, and plainly
declared itself on the side of the pure and simple
truths of Holy Scripture.

Meanwhile, in the United States of North
America, to parts of which many members of the
Society had emigrated in the days of Robert
Barclay and William Penn, and where the body
had become very numerous, causes had been more
recently at work, which at length, between the years
1826 and 1828, produced a separation from the
main body in five out of the eight American
Yearly Meetings, of a considerable number, (esti-
mated at about one third of the whole,) amongst
whom, Elias Hicks, an aged and influential minister,
held the most prominent position.* " Captivated by-
specious pretences to a refined spirituality," they
had been led on. step by step, into an open denial
of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian
religion, to the undervaluing of the Holy Scriptures,
and to the denial of the divinity of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and of his offices as the Redeemer and
Saviour of men, and the one Propitiation and
Mediator with the Father. And not a few, who

* The largest secession was in the Yearly Meetings of New York,
Philadelphia, and Baltimore; but the separation extended also to the
Yearly Meetings of Ohio and Indiana. No secession took place in
New England, North Carolina, or Virginia.

16

IIICKSITE SEPARATION.

1835.

shrank from an avowal of these sentiments, were
induced to join the ranks of the secession by the
influence of personal feeling or family connexions ;
which, in minds inadequately instructed, and in
many cases almost indifferent as regards evangelical
truth, easily outweighed more important consider-
ations.

Deeply afflicting as such an event must ever be
to the mind that duly considers it, it affords a
striking lesson, one it is hoped never to be forgotten,
of the unspeakable necessity of humbly and
reverently maintaining the truth of the Gospel in
its integrity, and of holding fast that "form of
sound words" which it has pleased Infinite Wisdom
to make use of as a most important means of
conveying it to our understandings, and of pre-
serving it from corruption. Among those who
thus separated were many, who, from a one-sided
zeal, " not according to knowledge," for the doctrine
of inward and immediate revelation, were gradually
drawn away from the one incarnate Eedeemer, the
Fountain of all true spiritual life; substituting,
under the notion of high spirituality, an exclusively
inward Christ, of their own imagining, for Jesus of
Nazareth, the one Messiah, the anointed of God.

"They are a determined body of people," says Joseph John
Gurney in allusion to these separatists, in one of his letters
a few years later, "entirely possessed by their one idea in
religion, and little disposed to admit anything more. It is a
desperate web, from which escape seems almost morally im-
possible. Quakerism truly asserts that Christ is 'the light;'
because Christ, by his Spirit, enlightens the minds of men,
and is truly indivisible from that divine influence of the Holy
Ghost, by and in which he visits all men, and dwells in

2ET. 47.

IN AMERICA.

17

believers. Hicksism asserts most falsely and dangerously
that tins light, life, or influence, is itself the Christ, the Son
of God; the Redeemer, &c. They own no other Saviour;
and this particular view, respecting the light within, is the
true and obvious root of all their defect of faith ; of their
final and utter rejection of scriptural Christianity. * * * The
mystified interpretation of the Gospel, of the blood of Christ,
and of Christ himself, is the unquestionable parent of
infidelity, as the whole history of Hicksism most abundantly
proves."

Amongst the causes that led to this melancholy
separation, it may not be uninstructive to remark,
that one of the most powerful appears to have been
(to use the words of the Yearly Meeting of Phila-
delphia) " the neglect of many members in not
bestowing upon their offspring a guarded religious
education, labouring to imbue their minds with the
saving truths of the Gospel, and habituating them
to the frequent reading of the Holy Scriptures."
For want of this care on the part of parents and
teachers, many of the youth had grown up in great
ignorance of these all-important subjects, as well as
of the history and principles of the early Friends,
and thus fell an easy prey to the cavils and sophistry
of designing men who were seeking to lead them
astray.*

The existence or spread of unsound and danger-
ous doctrines is no new thing in the Christian
church. From the earliest ages of Christianity
there have been those whose unsubjected spirits
have refused to yield a full and submissive obedience

* Declaration issued by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, in 1828. p. 5.
Vol. II. — 2

18

DECLARATION ISSUED BY THE

1835.

to the authority of divine revelation. The cause
lies not in the truth, but in the natural opposition
of that carnal mind which ever has been and ever
will be enmity against God. And painful as the
recollection of such events must ever be to the feel-
ing mind, it ill becomes us, through either a mis-
placed charity, or a heedless forgetful ness, to blind
ourselves to the lessons of deep and lasting instruction
which they are designed to afford.

After the separation, the several Yearly Meetings
of Friends in America issued declarations disowning
the doctrines promulgated by Elias Hicks and
his followers, and showing their inconsistency with
the doctrines of Christ and his apostles, which had
ever been maintained by the Society of Friends ;
and in 1829 the Yearly Meeting of London issued
a brief but explicit declaration to the same
effect.

"We have heard," says the Yearly Meeting, "with deep
concern and sorrow, of the close trials to which our brethren
on the American continent have been subjected by the diffu.
sion of anti-Christian doctrines among them ; and we con-
sider it to be a duty to disclaim, and we hereby do disclaim,
all connexion, as a religious society, with any meetings for
the purpose of worship or discipline, which have been estab-
lished, or which are upheld, by those who have embraced such
anti-Christian doctrines.

And, in order to prevent any misapprehension as to our
views, we feel ourselves called upon, at this time, to avow our
belief in the inspiration and divine authority of the Old and
New Testament.

We further believe, that the promise made, after the trans-
gression of our first parents, in the consequences of whose
fall all the posterity of Adam are involved, " that the seed of

JET. 47.

YEARLY MEETING OF LONDON.

19

the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent and the
declaration unto Abraham, " In thy seed shall all the families
of the earth be blessed,"2 had a direct reference to the coming
in the flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ. To him also did the
prophet Isaiah bear testimony, Avhen he declared, "Unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given ; and the government
shall be upon his shoulder ; and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace : of the increase of his govern-
ment and peace there shall be no end."3 And again the same
prophet spoke of him when ho said, " surely he hath borne
our griefs, and carried our sorrows ; yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted ; but he was wounded
for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities ; the
chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes
are we healed."4 The same blessed Redeemer is emphatically
denominated by the prophet Jeremiah, " the lord OUR

RIGHTEOUSNESS."

At that period, and in that miraculous manner, which God
in his perfect wisdom saw fit, the promised Messiah appeared
personally upon the earth, when " he took not on him the nature
of angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abraham."0 " He
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."7
" Having finished the work which was given him to do,"8 "he
gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God."9 " He
tasted death for every man."10 "He is the propitiation for
our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of
the whole world."11 "We have redemption through his
blood, even the forgiveness of sins."12 " He passed into the
heavens;"13 and, "being the brightness of the glory of God,
and the express image of his person, and upholding all things

1 Gen. iii, 15. 2 Gen. xxviii, 14.

3 Isaiah ix, 6 — 7. 4 Isaiah liii, 4 — 5.

5 Jerem. xxiii, G. 6 Heb. ii, 16.

7 Heb. iv, 15. 8 John, xvii, 4.

9 Eph. v, 2. 10 Heb. ii, 9.

" 1 John ii, 2. 12 Col. i, 14.
13 Heb. iv, 14.

20

DECLARATION ISSUED BY THE

1835.

by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged
our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on
high;"11 and "ever liveth to make intercession for us."15

"It is by the Lord Jesus Christ that the world will be
judged in righteousness."16 He is " the Mediator of the New
Covenant ;"17 " the image of the invisible God, the first-born of
every creature ; for by him were all things created, that are
in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers :
all things were created by him, and for him ; and he is before
all things, and by him all things consist."18 "In him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily:"19 and to him did the
Evangelist bear testimony when he said, " In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All
things were made by him ; and without him was not anything
made that was made. In him was life ; and the life was the
light of men. He was the true Light, which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world."20

Our blessed Lord himself spoke of his perpetual dominion
and power in his church, when he said, " My sheep hear my
voice, and I know them, and tbey follow me ; and I give unto
them eternal life:"21 and, wben describing the spiritual food
which he bestoweth on the true believers, he declared, " I am
the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger,
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."22 He spoke
also of his saving grace, bestowed on those who come in faith
unto him when he said, " Whosoever drinketh of the water
that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I
shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up
into everlasting life."23

Our religious society, from its earliest establishment to the

14 Heb. i, 3. 15 Heb. vii, 25.

16 Acts svii, 31. 17 Heb. xii, 24.

18 Col. i, 15—17. 19 Col. ii, 9.

20 John i, 1—4, 9. 21 John x, 27, 28.

22 John vi, 35. 23 John iv, 14.

JET. 47.

YEARLY MEETING OF LONDON.

21

present day, has received these most important doctrines of
Holy Scripture in their plain and ohvious acceptation; and we
do not acknowledge as in fellowship with us, as a Christian
community, any body of religious professors which does not
thus accept them, or which openly receives and accredits as
ministers, those who attempt to invalidate any of these doc-
trines which we esteem as essential parts of the Christian
religion.

It is the earnest desire of this meeting that all who profess
our name, may so live, and so walk before God, as that they
may know these sacred truths to be blessed to them in-
dividually. We desire that, as the mere profession of sound
Christian doctrine will not avail to the salvation of the soul,
all may attain to a living efficacious faith, which, through the
power of the Holy Ghost, bringcth forth fruit unto holiness ;21
the end whereof is everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.

Such a declaration carefully prepared, deliberated
upon, and sanctioned by the body of Friends in
this country, in their representative assembly, — an
assembly to which each 'member has access, and
in which he has a right to take a part, and which
usually consists of at least one thousand persons,
and of a yet larger number on important occasions, —
ought surely to be accepted as satisfactory evidence
of the soundness of the faith of the Society in all
the fundamental articles of the Christian religion.
But whilst the views of the body were thus clearly
and fully set forth, and whilst it may, with thank-
fulness, be acknowledged that the Society of
Friends in England have been spared the pain of
differences so great and wide spread as those which
have afflicted their brethren in America, it could

24 Rom. vi, 22.

22

CONFLICTING

TENDENCIES

1835.

not be concealed that there was existing among
certain individuals, even in this country, a want
of complete harmony of mind and feeling. The
comprehension of the entire truth, and the holding
of each part in its due place and proportion are only
to be found in connexion with a full submission of
the heart and understanding to the enlightening and
sanctifying operations of the Spirit of God; and,
if attained to at all, the process is usually a very
gradual one ; the result of much time and experience.
Instead, therefore, of being too much dismayed
at differences of opinion, it should be rather matter
of thankfulness, when many distinct and indepen-
dent minds are brought, through divine mercy, to see
and to act together. There were some members
of the body who, whilst distinguished for their
warm attachment to those views of the spirituality
of the Gospel, which had led the early Friends to
the disuse of all outward rites and ceremonies in
the worship of God, and "to press home to the con-
sciences of men the practical operations of the
Holy Spirit upon the heart; were yet, perhaps,
hardly enough alive to the importance of keeping
steadily in view the great and glorious truths of the
incarnation of the Son of God, and of the necessity
and efficacy of his atoning sacrifice upon the cross.
These were not indeed disbelieved, but they had
evidently not occupied so large a share in their
meditations, as some other portions of divine
truth. Others there were who, though brought up
with <rreat strictness in the habits and usages of
the Society, had not imbibed in their earlier years
an extended knowledge of scriptural truth, and

JET. 47.

AMONGST FRIENDS IN ENGLAND.

23

who, after leading a regular and blameless life
among their fellow-men, had, in their middle or
declining age, been, for the first time, awakened to
the full conviction that their salvation wholly
depended on the free and unmerited mercy of God
in Christ Jesus. This was indeed a new light to
their souls, and, under the painful consciousness that
they were dark before, they were too ready, perhaps,
to reject all their former experiences ; too ready to
think that all their brethren were in precisely the
same condition as they had been in ; too ready to
make this one precious doctrine the entire sum of
their Christianity.

The working of these two classes of mind
obviously tended in opposite directions. If, on the
one hand, the spirituality of the Gospel was dwelt
upon by some in a way that appeared, at times, to
throw into the shade truths of equal importance
and necessity, which can never be profitably
separated from it ; there was, on the other hand,
no less danger of these latter truths being treated
in too distinct and exclusive a manner, and of too
little place being given to the doctrine of the Holy
Spirit in all its fulness and practical application.

Amidst these conflicting tendencies it was Joseph
John Gurney's earnest endeavour steadily to main-
'tain a course removed from extremes in either
direction. His own belief in the Christian sound-
ness of the doctrines and practices of Friends had
remarkably kept pace with his general religious
convictions; and as, on the one hand, he found his
mind incapable either of putting aside, or keeping
out of view, any one of those glorious truths of

24

TESTIMONY TO THE WHOLE TRUTH.

1835.

Christian redemption upon which, as he often
expressed himself, were founded all Ids hopes; so,
on the other hand, he was not less indisposed to let
go any of those practices and testimonies which he
believed to be, if not equally essential, yet equally
part of pure and complete Christianity.

"Not to rest our hope of salvation," he wrote to Jonathan
Hutchinson, in the sixth month, 1833, " alone on the merits
and mercies of our gracious Redeemer is fearful unbelief; and
not much less so to surrender our faith in his being always
with his people by his Spirit to guide them into all truth.
I feel quite sure we shall never mend matters by clipping any
one part of Divine truth. The remedy appears rather to lie
in a comprehensive view and full statement of the whole."

A few months later he writes in his Journal : —

" Conversed with in private, first on the danger cf

conversation on the supposed unsoundness of others ; on
varying opinions ; on American and supposed English
Hicksism. Secondly on the vast importance in our procla-
mation of orthodox doctrine, not to trench on the 'anointing,'
or on those things which we have found experimentally to be
truly precious. Earnestly do I desire that the evil so much
dreaded, and which I consider non-existent, may not be
fretted into being. May the great Master keep us in the
plenitude of his mercy and love. I feel thankful in the
belief that he has done this, and will yet do it."

Still later, he continues : —

1th mo., Qth, 1834. Many thoughts pass and repass, in
spite of one's self, respecting the state of things amongst us.
as a religious society. I have been considering, this morning,
the importance of steadily maintaining the juste milieu. I

JET. 47.

PUBLICATION OF THE BEACON.

25

believe the only way is to forget one's self, and to forget men,
and every arm of flesh, on the right hand and on the left; and
to look simply and singly to Jesus, in the reverent desire to
be preserved without error in his blessed truth, and without
interruption, to do the Father's will. " I will behave myself
wisely in a perfect way. 0 when wilt thou come unto me ! I
will walk within my house, with a perfect heart."

Such was the state of Joseph John Gurney's
feelings when, towards the conclusion of his minis-
terial labours in London, the conflict of opinion
amongst Friends in this country was brought to a
crisis by the publication of the Beacon, in the
beginning of the year 1835. The late Isaac
Crewdson, of Manchester, the author of this work,
was a man greatly esteemed and beloved by a large
circle, and was then in the station of an acknow-
ledged minister. He had been brought up in all
the strictness of an external Quakerism, and had
early imbibed a strong attachment to its usages ;
but it was not until towards middle life that
evangelical truth dawned upon his mind. " I
remember," says Joseph John Gurney in his Auto-
biography, "telling my friend Isaac Crewdson,
nearly three years before the publication of the
Beacon, that he and I had started in our race from
opposite points, had met, and crossed on the road."

" This publication consisted," to adopt Joseph John Gurney's
description, " of a running commentary on various passages in
the sermons of the late Elias Hicks of North America, who
had been disowned by Friends in that country ; and, with
proofs, drawn from Scripture, of this preacher's perversions and
delusions, are mixed up many painful innuendos, trenching,

2G

PUBLICATION OF THE BEACON.

1835.

in various degrees, on our well known views of the spirituality
of the Gospel of Christ. Indeed, it is ray deliberate judg-
ment, that the work, professing as it docs to defend sound
Christianity, has an undeniable tendency to undermine the
precious doctrine of the immediate teaching, guidance, and
government of the Holy Spirit. Calculated as it was to dis-
parage the character of the Society, it was forced upon the
attention of the public by placards and advertisements of
various kinds, and was the means of bringing down upon us
a shower of offensive weapons, in reviews and other publica-
tions, from our evangelical fellow Christians. The Society
was, in no common degree, held up to scorn and reproof; the
common butt of many, who were destitute of any correct
knowledge of our principles. The consequence was just what
might have been expected ; the alarm occasioned by the Beacon
operated in a direction which was not intended by its author,
and was well nigh being the means of driving some easily
alarmed ones on to the very rocks, against Avhich he was wishing
to warn us. A reply, published without any sanction from the
Morning Meeting, soon made its appearance ; and, naturally
enough, was eagerly laid hold of by Friends in different parts
of the country, and especially Lancashire ; but, with much
that was valuable, it was found to contain many errors, and
helped to confirm the prevailing notion, that we really needed
such a work as the Beacon.

The annoyance of this internal warfare disturbed me a good
deal, even in its early stages ; it seemed to have a tendency to
divide best friends, and many were the jealousies which it was
the means of propagating."

TO PETER BEDFORD.

Eai'lham, 3rd ruo., 7th, 1S35.

* * * I do from my very soul love the genuine and
unadulterated gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In it arc
developed all my hopes, and on its merciful provisions depends
all my happiness. My attachment to Quakerism arises from

jET. 47.

LETTER TO ITS AUTHOR.

27

a firm conviction that, rightly understood, it is simple
Christianity — Christianity without diminution, and without
addition.

I fully hclieve that He who raised us up as a people to bear
testimony to his name, will surmount and regulate the present
storm, and overrule it to the extension of pure truth and to
his own glory. In the mean time it is impossible not to be
anxiou* on two points. The first is, lest the faith of any of
our members in the grand fundamental doctrines of the New
Testament, should be in any degree shaken, or I might rather
say their relish for them impaired, by the imprudence of
some who press these points almost to the exclusion of their
practical consequences. The second is, lest that most
precious doctrine of the inward and perceptible guidance of
the Holy Spirit, which lies at the very foundation of all our
peculiar testimonies, should be let down in the minds of our
beloved inquiring young people.

With an earnest desire to promote a spirit of
reconciliation and harmony, Joseph John Curney
addressed a long and affectionate letter to the
author of the Beacon,* in which, after briefly but
distinctly adverting to several important points in
regard to which he considered the remarks of the
author " useful and striking, and quite in accord-
ance with the sentiments of every sound and
enlightened Christian," he proceeds to a lengthened
explanation of his grounds of objection to the work.
It was a letter not of attack, but of calm Christian
suggestion and expostulation, written in the hope
of eliciting such an explanation from the Friend to
whom it was addressed as would have been
generally satisfactory. True to that charity which
w believeth all things," and conscious of his own

*This letter is dated Earlham, 4th mo., 27th, 1835.

28

LETTER TO

1835.

deep-rooted attachment to the principles of Christi-
anity maintained by Friends, it was with difficulty
that he Avas persuaded that others whom he had
long looked upon as holding the same profession,
were not equally animated by a love for the same
religious principles. Without unduly burthening
the attention of the reader, the following extracts
may serve to illustrate the general tone and
character of the letter.

After adverting to the tendency of the Beacon to
disparage the doctrine of " an inward and universal
light," he continues : —

The doctrine that a measure of the influence of the Spirit —
although in numberless instances, small and faint — is actually
communicated to the whole human species, appears to me to
be the only safe and sufficient basis of a closely analogous
truth ; namely, that all men are placed, through the redemp-
tion which is in Christ, in a real capacity of salvation. I
conceive that this capacity is broadly declared by the apostle
Paul, when he says, " Therefore, as by one man's offence
(judgment is come) upon all men to condemnation ; even so
by the righteousness of one (mercy is come) upon all men
unto justification of life." Now, that this view of the subject
is most salutary to the human mind, and that the steady
maintenance of it, in the ministry of the gospel of Christ, is
of immense use and importance, there are, as I believe,
thousands who can testify. I am informed by the Wesleyan
Methodists, that this is one great secret of their extensive
success ; and it may surely be ascribed in part to the same
cause, that such wonderful effects were produced by the
preaching of the early Friends. •

To be able to assure those whom we are addressing, that if
they will come, they may come and "take of the waters of life
freely;" to declare to them that they are already placed,
through the infinite compassion of trod, in a salvable con-

MT. 47.

ISAAC CREWDSON.

20

dition ; to direct them all to that divine influence by which
the Father draws them, and which, as they give way to it,
will never fail to answer to the gospel, and dispose them to
receive it — must surely be numbered among the plainest
duties, as well as the happiest privileges, of the Christian
minister. "I turned the people," cried George Fox, "to the
divine light which Christ the heavenly and spiritual man
enlightcneth them withal ; that with that light they might
see their sins, and that they were in death and darkness, and
without God in the world ; and might also see Christ from
whom it cometh, their Saviour and Redeemer, who shed his
blood and died for them ; who is the way to God, the truth,
and the life." *

Again, I deem it to be of peculiar importance, that our
children should be frequently reminded of that unflattering
witness for God, in the conscience, which testifies against
their sins ; of that still small voice of Israel's Shepherd in the
soul, which would lead them into every virtue. The more this
"inward light" is attended to, the clearer will be their view
of their own corruption ; the more they will be brought into
humility and contrition ; the better they will be prepared for
a full apprehension of Scriptural truth ; the more earnestby
will they "flee for refuge" to the "hope set before us" in the
gospel.

Before I quit this subject, I wish to say a few words on the
Word of God. I am quite aware that both Xo'/og and ftpa
very frequently mean the declaration of the divine- will, or of
divine truth ; and therefore the Scriptures, in this sense,
unquestionabJn contain the word of God ; and they may
themselves be justly described as the declaratory or written
word. But I cannot think that there is any authority in
Scripture itself for our applying this title to the volume of
sacred writ, in the naked and exclusive manner which is so
customary among many Christians. It appears to me, that
the scruple of Friends on the subject is not without a good
and sufficient foundation ; and that they do well to restrict the

Journal, p. 156.

t

30 LETTER TO 1835.

application of that title, as one of pre-eminence, to him of
■whom the Scriptures testify — to him who is essentially, eter-
nally, and, in the highest sense, the Word of Jehovah.

In reply to an observation in the Beacon, in
which it appeared to be asserted, that the source of
instruction to the apostles was " immediate," but that
to us it is '''mediate," except only that the Spirit deals
immediately with the affections to dispose the heart
to receive their doctrine, Joseph John Gurney
remarks : —

Xow here, my dear friend, if I understand thee aright, I am
directly at issue with thee ; because I consider that we have
plain scriptural authority for asserting, that the promise of the
Spirit, in all its richness and variety, is the inheritance, in this
world, of the Holy Catholic Church in all ages. This point
appears to me to be proveable, first from John xiv, 16, "And
I will pray the Father, and he shall give }rou another Com-
forter, that he may abide with you FOR ever;" with which
compare Matthew, xxviii, 20, "Lo, I am with you alicay, even
unto the end of the world:' secondly, from the words of Peter,
in Acts ii, 39, " The promise is unto you, and to your chil-
dren, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call;" and thirdly, from the promise of God to the
Messiah, in Isaiah lix, 21, "As for me, this is my covenant with
them, saith the Lord, [compare Jer. xxxi, 31-34,] my Spirit
that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy
mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth
of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the
Lord, from henceforth and for ever."

Here I must particularly desire not to be misunderstood.
When I speak of the universal application of the promise of
the Spirit to the church of Christ in all ages, I have no
intention to promulgate the notion, that the Spirit is bestowed
on the church in an equal measure at all times, and under all

JET. 47. ISAAC CREWDSON. 31

circumstances ; much less that every individual in the church
has the same calling. On the contrary, I believe that there
have been many especial effusions of the Spirit at particular
periods of the church ; and it is too obvious to require remark,
that one Christian is called into one service, and one into
another.

The effusion of the Holy Ghost, which commenced on that
great day of Pentecost, and which distinguished the first age
of the church, was in a large and unparalleled measure indeed,
a measure exactly adapted to the work which was then to be
done for the Lord, and more especially to the peculiar and
extraordinary call of the apostles of Jesus Christ. That call
was to promulgate among all nations, for the first time, the
truth of God in its evangelical fulness ; not merely to confirm
the dictates of what is usually called natural religion, but to
declare the glorious fact, that the eternal Word of the Father
— one with him in the divine nature — had become incarnate,
had died on the cross as a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins
of all men, and had now afforded an unanswerable evidence
of his divinity and mission by his resurrection from the
dead. As the ambassadors of Christ, and in the demon-
stration of the Spirit and power, they called upon all men
to repent of their sins and to believe in Jesus Christ, that
they might be justified by his blood, purified by his Spirit,
and thus translated from the power of darkness into the
kingdom of the dear Son of God. Now that vastly pre-
eminent measure of the Holy Spirit, by which the apostles
and their brethren were enabled to disseminate these new
truths in the world, and thus to establish the church of
Christ among men, qualified some of them also for another
specific service — namely, that of writing the books of the
New Testament ; which, in connexion with the Hebrew
Scriptures, were destined to form the only written standard of
doctrine and practice in all succeeding ages. There can be no
question that, in the execution of these offices, the promise of
Christ, that the Spirit " should bring all things to their
remembrance whatsoever he had said to them," was accom-
plished, in then' experience, in that literal and primary sense,

32

LETTER TO

1835.

in which it applied exclusively to their own case ; and the
absolute divine authority both of the preaching and the
■writings of the apostles, was demonstrated by the miracles
which they were enabled to work.

In the gospel which the apostles preached, and which is
recorded for the most important of practical purposes in the
New Testament, no change could afterwards take place.
Nothing might be added to it, nothing might be taken away
from it; he that attempted to preach any other gospel was
accursed. Nothing could be more distinct than the testimonies
of our early Friends to this grand point. They utterly dis-
claimed the pretension which was sometimes falsely ascribed
to them, of having received the revelation of any new truths;
but, under afresh and powerful out-pouring of the Spirit, they
made abundant use of apostolic materials — even the doctrines
of the New Testament — and proclaimed the old, the unchang-
ing gospel in its genuine spirituality.

In what respect, then, are we now permitted to realise the
promise of the Holy Ghost as an unfailing and ever-present
Guide and Teacher in the church ? One, who though he may
often make use of human instruments, still operates directly
and immediately, not merely on the affections, but oil the
understandings of his people ?

I would venture to reply : —

First, in unfolding to the mind, with divine clearness and
power, yet often very gradually, all those blessed truths which
are recorded by the pen of inspiration in the Holy Scriptures.

Secondly, in perpetually directing the children of God to
the practice of holiness, teaching them how to apply to their
daily duties, to the exigencies and requirements of each
passing moment, the general principles of the divine lav,- ;
principles which are primarily written on the heart, and are
confirmed and beautifully unfolded in the sacred volume.
Here I would remark, in passing, that obedience, in practice,
to that swift witness for God in our bosoms, who testi-
fies against all that is wicked, and leads into all that is
virtuous and comely in our daily walk, has a vast efficacy in
preparing the mind for a right understanding of Christian

2ET. 47.

ISAAC CREWDSON.

33

truth. I wish also to observe, that these precious immediate
influences of the Spirit are to be enjoyed, not in the disuse and
neglect of Scripture, or of any other appointed means of re-
ligious instruction and edification, but in connexion with the
diligent use of them to the best of our ability.

But, thirdly, this immediate anointing will lead the living
members of the body of Christ into those specific services in
his cause, which belong to their individual paths of duty ; — as
the Spirit divideth to every man severally, even as he wills.
And the same influence which leads into these duties, will
ever be present with the believer, to qualify him for their
performance. While the general tenor of these services may
be collected both from the precepts and examples afforded us
in Scripture, and while the spirit of them must ever be checked
and tested by the known principles of Christianity, we can
derive no information from the sacred volume respecting their
peculiar direction in our own case. Here we have no resource
but immediate revelation. Our Lord and Master, who speaks
to our souls by his Spirit, can alone determine for us what our
service shall be ; and when, where, and how it shall be per-
formed. Blessed be his holy name; he still enables his faithful,
humble, and watchful followers — even those who are willing to
wait for his teaching in deep humiliation of mind — to dis-
tinguish the Shepherd's voice from the "voice of the stranger."

The full application of this blessed principle to the ministry
of the gospel, not only as it regards the original call, but as it
repects the continued exercise of the gift on every successive
occasion, must, I think, still be regarded as a marked and dis-
tinguishing peculiarity in the views of our religious Society, a
peculiarity based, like our other testimonies, (as I believe,) on
Jesus Christ, and inseparably connected with the spirituality
of his gospel.

Feeling as I do the great practical importance of this our
Christian testimony, and the necessity of our maintaining it
inviolate, both for our own benefit, and for the welfare of the
church at large, I cannot wonder at the disquietude which hag
been excited by the omission of any reference to it in the Beacon.
Vol. II. — 3

34

LETTER TO

1835.

Thou hast adduced abundant evidence from Scripture, that
the gospel is not, as E. Hicks pretends, " God in man," but
the annunciation of the glad tidings of salvation through an
incarnate and crucified Redeemer. And I am perfectly aware
that when Paul says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation;" he is not
defining the word "gospel," or identifying it with the Spirit,
but is only describing its efficacy, when preached under divine
authority, for the conversion and salvation of sinners. But in
returning an affirmative answer to the question, Can man preach
the gospel? it would certainly have been very satisfactory hadst
thou clearly stated that, according to our views, man cannot
lightly preach it, except under the direct and renewed influ-
ences of the Holy Ghost.

The omission of such a statement may probably have been
accidental ; yet it seems to correspond with thy remarks on
silent worship. (Beacon, p. 96.)

I fully admit that the New Testament contains no specific
direction respecting mode of worship ; and when Ave consider
the infirmities of man, and the various mental conditions of
sincere and pious Christians, we may be thankful that it is so.
But the New Testament contains unchanging principles,
which it is the duty of all men to follow up, according to the
light given to them. For us, then, who dare not preach or
pray, in our meetings, except under the immediate influence
(as Ave believe) of divine anointing, silence and stillness are
surely essential to true worship. They are not merely con-
venient and advantageous accessories to this our public homage
to our Lord ; they are, practically speaking, indispensable to
its right performance. While Martha was busied about "much
serving," Mary sat still at the feet of her Lord; Avliich, in his
view, was the one thing needful. This beautiful anecdote may
suffice to show that there is a "passivity" which is Avorthy of
the gospel, and consistent with its principles. " There is a
stillness," said our late dear friend, Jonathan Hutchinson,
"which is not the stillness of death; there is a silence which
is not the silence of the grave !"

Unreasonable as the length of this letter may appear, there

JET. 47.

ISAAC CREWDSON.

35

are two other passages in The Beacon to which, before I con-
clude, I shall he best satisfied to allude, " Crcaturcly exertions,"
" creaturely activity," thou sayest, " are not Scripture phrases,
and the mischief is very great of using unscriptural terms on
religious subjects, when the meaning of those terms is not clear
and definite. Such phrases, also, as 'sinking down,' ' centering
down,' ' digging deep,' ' dwelling deep,' ' turning inward,'
&c, the reader may have observed, but we hardly need say
they are not the language of Christ and his apostles." (p. 112.)
The general principle, as regards terms, here alluded to, is
unquestionable. But allow me to express my conviction that,
although these phrases are somewhat awkward, they are
capable of a meaning which is deeply scriptural, and of the
greatest possible importance to our religious welfare, both as
individuals and as a society. The want of more depth, of
more humiliation, of a more frequent descent to the well-
spring of life, of a more diligent application to the all-wise
Counsellor who condescends to dwell within us by his Spirit,
appears to me to be one of the greatest and most character-
istic dangers of the present day. May we be brought into the
depths together, and there know the love and power of Christ to
triumph over all our disputations, and to heal all our wounds !

Finally, my dear friend, I must, in all honesty, tell thee
that I cannot at all approve the contrast with which the
Beacon concludes, between " a religion of feelings," and a
"religion of faith."

While I am prepared to go all lengths with thee in de-
precating the mystical absurdities of misplaced metaphysics,
and the arbitrary impressions of a wild enthusiasm, — unsup-
ported as they are by reason, and unchecked by Scripture, —
I am quite sure that religion is nothing to us, unless it is
a religion of feelings ; and notwithstanding the contrast which
thou hast thus drawn, I am heartily willing to give thee credit
for the same assurance. It is only as we give way to those
gracious impressions of the Holy Spirit, which bring us into
tenderness, and fill us with the love of God ; it is only as we
obey the perceptible government of our Holy Head in the
path of practical piety, that we shall ever be established in

36

FURTIIER LETTER

1835.

our most holy Faith. Thus alone shall we be made in the
end " more than conquerors through him that loved us."

In conclusion, I wish to express the hope (to which I cling)
that, after all, I may have misconceived thy sentiments, as
conveyed in the Beacon, respecting the doctrin'e of Universal
Light ; respecting the immediate influence and perceptible
teaching of the Spirit ; and respecting the nature of true
worship and ministry. If so, I can only plead, in my excuse,
that the volume has produced precisely the same effect on a
multitude of other minds — on minds as deeply impressed as
thy own respecting the immense value and importance of the
Christian revelation, of the Holy Scriptures, and of the
glorious doctrine of Christ crucified. Under such circum-
stances, I would suggest, as the only sufficient remedy, an
explicit disavowal of the sentiments imputed to thee, as open
and public as the Beacon itself.

I can say truly, that this suggestion is offered to thee as to
a Christian brother, by a most sincere friend, and in tender
love.

Such a disclosure of Joseph John Gumey's views
awakened a considerable amount of feeling amongst
those who approved of the Beacon. But, happily,
he had not now, for the first time, to learn the
lessons of Christian truth. Long disciplined in the
school of experience, he was, in mercy, prepared for
a conflict in some respects more painful and severe
than any which he had yet endured.

TO A FRIEND,

(Who had written warmly to Joseph John Gurney on the subject of the Beacon, Ac.)

Norwich, otb mo., ISth, 1S35.

My dear Friend,

Thy two letters have reached me in due course,
and I am sincerely obliged to thee for so freely telling me all
that is in thy mind towards me. I utterly deny that I have,
in the smallest degree, to the best of my knowledge, com-
promised the blessed truth as it is in Jesus Christ our Lord,

mi. 47.

ON THE BEACON.

37

either in private or in public. To the best of my ability, (I
well know bow poorly and weakly as regards myself,) I have
declared what I believe to be "the whole counsel of God,"
from place to place, especially during my late prolonged visit
to London and Middlesex. More than this, in the public
teaching of young people, I have, in the most specific manner,
detailed both the evidences of the Christian religion and of
the divine authority of Scripture, and the scriptural proofs of
the grand doctrines of the Divinity and Atonement of Christ.
I have found it my place to unfold these points by themselves,
before I touched on the doctrine of the Spirit, and the views
of it which are in some degree peculiar to Friends. In all
this service I have never met with the slightest opposition
from those among whom I was labouring ; but, as far as I
know, have had the full unity and kind co-operation of Friends.
What possible reason then can I have for taxing Friends with
infidelity ?

I have fully stated my views of the Beacon to our dear friend
Isaac Crewdson. While I cordially concur in his view of the
Divine authority of Scripture, the inspiration of the Apostles,
the privilege and necessity of prayer, and, above all, the great
and glorious doctrine of the justification of the penitent and
converted sinner through faith in the blood of Jesus, I as
clearly differ from what I understand to be his view of univer-
sal light and of the immediate teaching of the Holy Spirit in
the church of Christ. On neither of these branches of truth
have my sentiments undergone the least change since I first
became a Quaker on conviction : and, until I am better in-
formed, it is my calm and deliberate intention to adhere to
them both (as ability is afforded) to my life's end.

38

YEARLY MEETING.

1835.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

1835. mi. 47—48.

the yearly meeting ; appointment of a committee to visit
lancashire j letter to the author of the "defence" in
reply to the beacon; first and second visits to man-
chester; journey to derbyshire and north wales; ill-
ness and death of his wife.

In the Yearly Meeting of J 835, the difficulties con-
sequent on the publication of the Beacon formed a
prominent topic for deliberation.

"It was proposed," •writes Joseph John Gurney, "to appoint
a committee to aid Lancashire Quarterly Meeting in the case ;
upon which I expressed my sentiment that there was so much
fault on hoth sides of the controversy, that the whole affair
had hotter be left -where it was, or in other words, all proceed-
ings quashed. This proposition was overruled ; and, notwith-
standing my earnest request to the contrary, I was appointed
on the committee. Arduous, indeed, did we find the service,
when we met in Lancashire, at their summer Quarterly
Meeting."

Previously to going into Lancashire, Joseph John
Gurney addressed the following letter to the Friend
who had written the Defence of Immediate Revela-
tion, in reply to the Beacon, explanatory of several
particulars in which he considered the reply defective
or open to objection.

jet. 47.

TO THE AUTHOR OF THE DEFENCE.

39

Earlham, Norwich, Oth mo., Sth, 1S35.

My Peak Friend,

Attached as I am on principle, to those spiritual
jet simple views of religion which have always been main-
tained in the Society of Friends, I am prepared to unite with
thee in earnest endeavours, through every day of rebuke and
difficulty, steadily to uphold them. And I wish openly to
repeat a declaration which I have often made, that my state
of mind on this subject is not founded on any sectarian or
traditional notions, but on a firm conviction that Quakerism,
rightly understood, is nothing more nor less than the religion
of the New Testament. I look upon it as Christianity with-
out addition and without diminution.

Such were the views of George Fox, "William Penn, Robert
Barclay, and other veterans of their day. They pretended
to the revelation of no new truths ; they proclaimed no
modern variations from the one, original, unchanging Gospel.
They pleaded only for broad, unfettered, spiritual Christianity.
And, with respect to the whole system of divine truth, as it is
revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures, they sometimes ex-
pressed themselves in the words with which the apostle John
concludes the book of Revelation : " If any man shall add
unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book ; and if any man shall take away
from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take
away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy
city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Inseparably connected with this principle was their noble
testimony on the subject of human creeds. They were indeed
always willing, when occasion recmired, publicly to declare
their faith in the doctrines of Christianity ; but they refused
to tie themselves down, like many other Christian societies,
to "articles of belief" constructed either by themselves or
others. They depended on the Holy Spirit as their immediate
guide and teacher ; and their only written creed was the
volume of inspiration.

I am induced to make these remarks by observing that in
thy reply to the Beacon, thou hast not clearly defined what

40

TO THE AUTHOR OF THE DEFENCE.

1835.

is the standard by which the sentiments of its author are to
be tried ; for while, on the one hand, thou hast expressed thy
■wish that thy defence " should rest entirely on the authority
of Holy Scripture," thou hast, on the other hand, checked
and tested the Beacon by passages from Barclay's Apology ;
and one of the remarks on the subject is as follows : — " I
quote the Apology of Robert Barclay, concluding that one
who is now a minister, in outward fellowship in the same
society with myself, can hardly be supposed to have thrown
olf the authority of a work so justly esteemed arnongst us ;
for this would imply that his departure from the ground of
our testimonies was greater than I am yet willing to believe
it to be. " [Defence, 2nd Edition, p. 23.)

I have no desire to detract from the value of the writings
of Robt. Barclay. He is certainly an author of extraordinary
learning, ability, and piety ; and, as such, must always be
entitled to a very considerable degree of influence in our
religious society. Nor can there be any objection to cur
making use of his Apology, when occasion requires it, as an
able exposition of his own sentiments, and those of .his
brethren.* But whatsoever a superficial view of Quakerism
may dictate to us on the subject, there can, in my opinion, be
no greater departure from .the "ground of our testimonies,"
than to bring the doctrines or practices of any man to the
authoritative test of any writings which do not bear the stamp
of absolute inspiration; or, in other words, of any writings
whatsoever but the Holy Scriptures.

I cannot believe that there is any real question between us
on this point. But if such a question docs exist, let me, in
the present instance, give way, and refer the settlement of it
to Robert Barclay himself. His verdict on the subject is
short and explicit. " We do look upon them (the Holy
Scriptures) as the only fit outward judge of controversies

* I am, however, incline;! to the opinion, that were we compelled
tc select a single writer in order to ascertain the religious principles
of the early Friends, we could scarcely do better than choose George
Fox himself. — Note by J. J. Gv.rn.ty,

JET. 47.

IN REPLY TO THE BEACON.

41

among Christians, and that -whatsoever doctrine is contrary
unto their testimonies may therefore justly be rejected as
false." (Apol. prop. Ill, § 6.) Just similar were the frequent
declarations of Barclay's brethren ; and nothing appears to
have been further from the minds of these eminent men than
any desire to test each other's doctrines, -whether written or
preached, by their own as a standard.

No, my dear friend, their sentiments on the subject were of
a nobler and sounder character ; and, while they appealed to
the Scriptures only as their written test, they cast themselves
on the guidance of that divine anointing, which, to a wonder-
ful extent, led them, in their views of revealed truth, to a
blessed unanimity. When they were gathered together for
divine worship, Christ was their present head, and preserved
them in harmony both of feeling and doctrine. And -when
they met for the purpose of conducting the affairs of the
church, it was his gracious power which enabled them to bear
their Christian testimony not only against moral delinquency,
but against all vital and dangerous error, in matters of faith.
May we never be found departing from this safe, and only
Christian ground. * * * *

No man can more sincerely believe than I do, in the doc-
trines to which thy -work chiefly relates, immediate revelation,
and the universality of divine light : but I greatly regret that,
in a public defence of our principles, which has obtained so
extensive a circulation, these points are not more carefully
distinguished. It was matter of surprise to me, in perusing
the chapter, in the Defence, on immediate revelation, to find
almost the whole of it relating to that manifestation of the
Spirit of Christ which we believe to be universally bestowed
on mankind, through the redemption which is in him, and of
which therefore even the benighted heathen are joint partakers
with ourselves. Thus two vastly different measures of the
same thing are so intermingled as to involve the mind of the
reader in considerable perplexity.

Immediate revelation must, I think, be understood of a far
higher operation of the Spirit of God upon the mind of man
than that which is universally enjoyed by our species. It is

42 TO THE AUTHOR OF THE DEFENCE. 1835.

justly represented by Robert Barclay, of whose system of
Theology it is the primary and fundamental article, as that
especial work of the Holy Spirit, by which a true and saving
knowledge of divine things is imparted to the soul, and by
which the Lord's chosen instruments in different ages have
been prepared to communicate these truths to others. By
this the patriarchs and prophets of old were instructed in the
secrets of a glorious future, and spake as they were moved by
the Holy Ghost. By this the Apostles and their brethren
were taught the doctrines of true religion in their evangelical
fulness, and were enabled to record them in the New Testa-
ment, for the instruction of men, in all future ages.

And now, under the enlarged effusion of the Holy Spirit,
in connexion with a knowledge of Christianity, which dis-
tinguishes the dispensation of the gospel from that of the law,
it is immediate revelation by which the eye of the soul is opened
to a saving view of the truths thus recorded ; it is this by
which the Christian believer is guided in his daily path of
holiness ; it is this by which he is led into those specific and
often sacred duties, which belong to his particular place and
calling in the church of Christ. " The anointing which ye
have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that
any man teach you ; but as the same anointing teacheth you
of all things, and is truth and no lie, and even as tit hath
taught you, ye shall abide in him." (1 John ii, 27.) This
precious anointing — this immediate and perceptible guidance
of the Holy Spirit, appears to me to be the grand practical
characteristic of the New Covenant ; a large and important
feature in the whole system of the gospel. May we ever
maintain this blessed principle of truth inviolate ! May we
neither overrun the Lord's anointing by our natural activity,
nor curb and check it by our prejudices and our fears ! It is
only as it spreads and rules amongst us, that we can ever
maintain our true standing in the church of Christ; or fulfil
the purposes for which we were raised up of the Lord, to
form, for a season at least, a distinct religious community.

No sincere Quaker can entertain a doubt that the imme-
diate influence of the Spirit was the moving cause which

JET. 47.

IN REPLY TO THE BEACON.

43

gathered our forefathers in the truth ; and that it is the root
of our peculiar Christian testimonies. Here, however, I
must observe in passing, that our early Friends were not led
into their spiritual views of the Gospel, independently of
Scripture, but in connexion with the diligent searching of
that blessed book. While they renounced all dependence on
human wisdom and learning, it was their privilege to main-
tain a firm, unshaken hold on scriptural Christianity. The
Bible, in their view, was not one of the "appendages" of
religion; much less did they regard it as "the letter" which
" veiled the mysteries of the kingdom." On the contrary
they hailed it as the divine record by which these mysteries
are plainly declared to us ; it was their treasury of knowledge,
their storehouse of materials for the Redeemer's service.

It is by no means my intention, in making these remarks,
to convey a notion that the special influences of the Spirit
are necessarily confined to those persons who arc acquainted
with the Gospel. Had such a notion been true, the Scriptures
themselves could never have been written ; and Paul the
Pharisee could never have become a preacher of Christianity.
There are few of us perhaps who cannot look back to visita-
tions of the Holy Spirit, in the day of our comparative
ignorance, which were productive of very tender feelings, and
were, in a great degree, independent of external circumstances.
May these visitations, so justly comparable to the wind blow-
ing where it listcth, ever be precious in the view of our
Society ! May we be preserved from ascribing any unauthorized
limits to the work of an omnipotent Agent ! * * *

It may probably be owing to thy not having sufficiently
•marked the distinction, in point of degree, between the in-
fluence of the Spirit in "immediate revelation," and the light
universally bestowed on mankind, that many passages of
Scripture are adduced in the " Defence" in support of the
latter point, which can scarcely be regarded as applying to the
subject. Surely, my dear friend, when the Apostle Peter
speaks of the "incorruptible seed" by which the converts to
Christianity had been regenerated, and the Apostle James of
the "engrafted word" which was "able to save their souls,"

41

TO THE AUTHOR OF THE DEFENCE.

1835.

they must bo understood as referring to that especial influence
of the Spirit, in connexion with a knowledge of the Gospel,
by which these believers in Jesus had been delivered from
the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of
the dear Son of God. A similar remark applies, as I con-
ceive, to several of our Lord's parables. He has himself
explained the parable of the sower, as relating to the word
preached, which withers or flourishes in the hearts of those who
hear it, according to their respective characters and conditions.
(Matt, xiii, IS — 23.) The parables of the grain of mustard
seed which became a great tree, and of the little leaven by
which the whole lump was leavened, appear to me to be
applicable to that double sense in which the kingdom of God
is mentioned in the New Testament. Thus they may be
regarded as indicating first the growth of Christianity in the
world, and secondly, the growth in grace of the individual
Christian. To both these points the figures in question are
beautifully apposite, but where is the evidence of their being
here employed to describe a universal light ?

Much disadvantage accrues to a good cause, when we
attempt to support it by evidence which will not bear the test
of calm investigation. Nothing is more easy, on such oc-
casions, than so to add our X to our C, as to turn our hun-
dred into ninety. But this result is by no means the worst
consequence of such a method of treating the subject of a
universal inward light. If we confuse the measure of light
bestowed even on the heathen, with the higher influences of
the Holy Spirit, if we apply to it those passages of the Scrip-
ture which relate to the work of grace, in connexion with
revealed religion, we are in danger of losing our sense of the
unutterable value of the Gospel of Christ, as the grand
instrument of the Spirit in the salvation of sinners. We
soon imagine that the heathen may fare as well without a
knowledge of Christianity, as with it; and this notion reacts
upon ourselves, and undermines our faith in the crucified
Lmnanuel, as our only hope of everlasting glory. No one
can examine the history of the late schism in America, or
fairly peruse the discourses of Elias Hicks, without perceiving

JET. 47.

IN REPLY TO THE BEACON".

45

that a disproportioncd ami exaggerated view of this precious
truth, was the stepping stone from which lie and his followers
plunged into infidelity. While we humbly endeavour to hold
fast the truth in question, may we ever set a careful watch
against this tremendous danger ! * * *

I can readily believe that the author of the Defence does
not really intend to insinuate the doctrine, often unjustly
ascribed to Friends, that there is in man a native tendency to
good as well as to evil. Such a doctrine is utterly opposed to
the declarations of Scripture, that " the heart is deceitful
above all things and desperately wicked," that we are "by
nature the children of wrath," that in us, that is, in our
flesh, "there dwelleth no good thing." Any departure from
the truth, as it regards this primary article of Christianity,
like a wrong figure in the early part of a sum in arithmetic,
is sure to produce a train of error. It inevitably leads,
as I conceive, to the substitution of another gospel for
the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Believe me, that
I give the author of the Defence credit for a willing
concurrence with the strong language in which our early
Friends were accustomed to express themselves respecting any
such substitution. For we do firmly believe that there is no
other gospel or doctrine to be preached but that which hath
been already preached by the apostles ; and do freely sub-
scribe to that saying, " Let him that preacheth any other
Gospel than that which hath been already preached by the
Apostles, and according to the Scriptures, be accursed."
Barclay's Apology, prop. Ill, § 9.

I must now. advert to another point, of a most fundamental
character, respecting which I would on no account ascribe
unsound views to the Author of the Defence. Yet I cannot
but express my regret at the manner in which he has touched
on the subject. * * *• *

Our [early] Friends frequently declared their belief, first
that " There are three who bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Spirit;" and secondly, "that these
Three are One."

"We believe," said George Fox, "concerning God, the

46

TO THE AUTHOR OF THE DEFENCE.

1835.

Father, the Son, and the Spirit, according to the testimony of
the Holy Scripture which we receive and embrace as the most
authentic and perfect declaration of Christian faith, being
indited by the Holy Spirit of God that never errs ; first, that
there is one God and Father, of whom are all things ; secondly,
that there is one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom all things were
made, who was glorified with the Father before the world began,
who is God over all, blessed for ever ; thirdly, that there is
one Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father and the Son, and
leader, and sanctifier, and comforter, of his people. And we
further believe, as the Holy Scriptures soundly and sufficiently
express, that these three are One, even the Father, the Word,
and the Spirit." — Ansivcr to all such as falsely say the Quakers
are not Christians, p. 27, 1682.

I cannot but compare the mode in which this subject is
defined in the Defence, [p. 38,] with the corresponding asser-
tion (in p. 7,) that the term "distinctive offices," as applied to
the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, is " altogether unscriptural."
I can easily believe that this remark was intended for the
purpose of warning some of us against a too precise and
systematic method of defining Christian doctrine ; and, as an
individual, I gratefully accept the caution, and confess that
in these matters simplicity becomes us as well as clearness.
Yet I must assert that although the term in question is not to
be found in the Bible, the doctrine which it obviously conveys,
is not only clearly scriptural, but absolutely essential as an
article of faith. True indeed it is, that a perfect unity of
counsel and operation as well as nature are ascribed in Scrip-
ture to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Yet it cannot
surely be denied, that, in the economy of grace and redemption,
certain acts are ascribed distinctively to the Father, certain
others distinctively to the Son, and certain others distinctively
to the Spirit. For example it is declared of the Father only
that he sent his beloved Son into the world for the salvation
of sinners ; of the Son only that he died on the cross, as a
sacrifice for the sins of mankind ; and of the Spirit only that
he should be sent of the Father and of the Son, to " testify
of Christ," that he should take of the things of Christ, and

jet. 47.

IN REPLY TO THE BEACON.

47

show thein to the believer ; that he should bear witness with
our spirits, that we are the children of God. " The holy Scrip-
ture Trinity, or three thereby meant," says George Whitehead,
"we never questioned but believed; as also the unity of
essence ; that they are one substance, one divine infinite being ;
and also we question not, but sincerely believe the relative
properties of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, according to
Holy Scripture testimony, and that these three arc ONE." —
Works, p. 195.

Allow me to suggest, that there is infinitely more danger
in confounding these relative properties than in simply main-
taining them, as they are declared in Scripture. Dost thou
think it is quite desirable to say, " To acknowledge Christ as
Saviour is one thing, to feel and know him to be the actuating
Spirit, is. another," — (Defence, p. 61.) What is intended by
the " Spirit in the Comforter," (p. 57,) and when Christ, the
eternal Word, is described as the " sword (or sharp instrument)
of the Spirit ?" (p. 97.)

Believe me, that I am as jealous as thou canst be, for our
upholding, with all faithfulness and decision the glorious one-
ness of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit ; and I have
pleasure in concluding my remarks on this subject with a few
words written by our late dear friend Jonathan Hutchinson.
" While the Christian rejoices in the distinct characters and
offices of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, so graciously
revealed to us for our instruction and edification, he probably
never finds his soul bowed down with so deep a reverence,
or filled with so pure a delight, as when he contemplates the
Almighty as an ineffable glory, an incommunicable name, an
infinite and incomprehensible UNITY."

Thus faithfully did Joseph John Gurney labour
in private to correct the misapprehensions that
appeared to exist on both sides of the controversy.

He now entered upon the more public service
allotted him in Lancashire, as one of the Committee

48

FIRST VISIT TO LANCASHIRE.

1835.

appointed by the late Yearly Meeting. Referring
to this engagement in his Autobiography, he
writes : —

" Our committee consisted of thirteen individuals, viz : —
William Allen, Peter Bedford, Edward Pease, Joseph Tat-
ham, Barnard Dickinson, William Forster, Josiah Forster,
George Richardson, Samuel Take, Edward Ash, Joseph
Marriage, myself, and George Stacey, who acted as clerk, I
may truly say, with great ability. Manchester was the place
of peculiar difficulty ; and after some conferences with the
ministers and elders of that meeting, the committee pro-
ceeded with a scriptural examination of the Beacon. In this
work I was closely engaged ; it was indeed, no common
labour ; but it was the means of bringing the members of the
Committee into very intimate communication one with
another ; a free interchange of sentiment, in a high degree
instructive and profitable. Our strictures have since been
printed, and, whatever any objectors may think of them, three
points are undeniable ; first, that they try the Beacon by no
test whatever but simple Scripture ; secondly, that they fully
support all the cardinal features of evangelical truth ; and
thirdly, that they are written in the spirit of true love and
kindness towards our dissentient brother, who was the object
of our solicitude. We left them in his hands for his calm
consideration ; and, after the rest of the committee had
departed, I gave up two or three days to the further expla-
nation of our views to him in private ; and I remember
leaving him in tears after a highly favoured meeting one fifth
day morning.

My dear wife was my companion during this first visit to
Manchester. On leaving that place (7th month, 2nd) we
proceeded to Matlock, where we had the delight of meeting
my sister Rachel Fowler with my children. Happy, yet very
touching is the recollection of this, the last journey which
we took together through Derbyshire and North Wales. I
held a certificate for convening public meetings as the way

JET. 47.

OF THE YEARLY MEETING'S COMMITTEE.

49

might open, and many very interesting ones were held at
Matlock, Bakewell, Castlcton, Llangollen, Conway, Caernar-
von, Barmouth, Dolgelly, and some other places. Perhaps
the most remarkable was that held at Castleton in the Peak
Cavern ; a great part of the population of the town, and
many from the neighbouring villages assembled on the
occasion, and the Great Head of the church graciously
condescended to bestow his presence upon us in that noble
natural temple. Others of the meetings were held in the
open air, which appeared to answer a good purpose. I believe
we all felt that the pleasure of the journey was greatly
increased by the engagements of a higher nature which
devolved upon us from time to time as we proceeded. The
contemplation of the sublimity and beauty of nature is in
true harmony with such services ; and nothing is more
salutary than to bear in mind that the God of nature is also
the God of grace ; that the Lord of the heavenly host, (even
of the stars that deck the firmament) is the Holy One of
Israel.

Whilst on this journey he had much pleasure in
making the acquaintance, at Barmouth, of the late
Dr. Olinthus Gregory, "a most agreeable and in-
structive companion."

In his Journal he writes : —

1th mo., 20th. Morning spent at Barmouth. Fourteen
Cambridge students to meet the Gregorys at dinner ; instruc-
tive conversation till six o'clock, when we drove off, along
that beautiful estuary, to Dolgelly, having parted from our
friends, old and young, in much friendship and love. Dr.
Gregory gave us an interesting account of Ilutton and
Bonnycastle, his two predecessors in the mathematical chair
at Woolwich; awful instances, especially the latter, of the
danger of permitting science to exclude religion.

They returned home by way of Coalbrookdale,
Vol. II. — 4

50

RELIGIOUS MEETINGS.

1835.

where a large meeting was held with the work
l)eople of the Iron Factory, about 2000 being
assembled on the occasion ; " a blessed meeting, I
humbly trust," he remarks in his Journal, "and
greatly to the relief of my own mind." On his
return he writes: —

Sth mo., 2>rd. Seven weeks have sped their rapid, interest-
ing course, since my last entry in this journal. During those
■weeks, the catalogue of deaths has heen affectingly increased
by the decease of my truly dear friend, Lord Suffield, in con-
secpience of a fall from his horse. It has been a great blow
to me, and a very painful loss, both public and private ; a
sad loss as it relates to the poor blacks in our colonies, of
•whose sufferings under the apprenticeship system, we hear
grievous, heart-rending accounts. Lord Suffield died in the
faith of a Christian, in humble reliance on the atonement of
Christ. He spoke to Sir B. Brodie of the blessing which had
mercifully rested on my feeble labours with him, in a religious
point of view, which has been a comfort to me. Our dear
cousin, G. Allen,* has also escaped from the infirmities of
mortality. The sudden death of John Shelly, of Yarmouth,
a highly useful character, after attending a Parliamentary
Committee, leaving a large family, has excited much feeling.
The good do indeed seem to be remarkably taken away !
The cry has been afresh raised in my heart, " 0 that I may
die the death of the righteous," and a sweet hope, and even
belief, has been graciously given, that the death of the Christian
believer will be mine. Yesterday such a precious assurance of
divine favour was permitted, as I have not of late often ex-
perienced. ^Yhat a mercy to be brought at times to a living
sense of the rule of Christ over all !

Whilst at Conway he had been much interested
with several persons in comparatively humble cir-

* The wife of his friend William Allen.

iETi 47-48.

CONWAY.

51

cumstances, whose minds appeared remarkably open
to the spirituality of the Gospel. To one of these
he subsequently wrote the following letter. The
individual to whom it was addressed, on being
called upon, fifteen years afterwards, by a relation
of Joseph John Gurney's, alluded to his visit with
tears.

Earlham, Oth mo., 1835.

It was pleasant to us to hear from thee, and we are glad

that thou and our friend are pleased with the present

of books.

The Observations on our Distinguishing Views would give
thee some idea of the various particulars which Friends have
seen in a more spiritual light than many of their fellow
Christians. I thought when I was at Conway that we were
not much disagreed upon these subjects. It is a very blessed
thing to know something of the immediate teaching and
guidance of the Holy Spirit so graciously bestowed upon
us by our dear Redeemer. " The anointing which ye have
received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any
man teach you, but as this same anointing teacheth you of all
things, and is truth and no lie, and even as it hath taught you
ye shall abide in him." (1 John ii, 27.)

I feel a strong desire that thou mayest be enabled to obey
the teaching of this divine " anointing," although it may and
will lead thee in the way of the cross. " Except a man take
up his cross and follow me he cannot be my disciple," said
the best and holiest of masters. As thou " followest on" to
know and serve the Lord who bought thee with his blood, the
truth will be more and more unfolded to thee in its beauty
and purity, and thou wilt be led, I believe, out of all those
things, even of a religious character which are in the will of
man, and brought to a more simple and unreserved dependence
on the wisdom, power, and goodness of God. What a blessed
thing would the worship of Christians be, were there less in it
of the mere activity of the human mind, and more of patient
reverent waiting upon the Lord, in the silence of all flesh !

52

LETTERS.

1835.

And how sweet and enlivening would be the ministry of the
Gospel were it exercised under the immediate influence of the
Spirit of Christ ! Then would the great Head of the church
enable his servants livingly to baptize their hearers " into the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

I am pleased to find that thou art prepared to agree with
my view of plainness. The plain and simple mode of address
as well as attire, which Friends have thought it right to
adopt, sometimes exposes them to ridicule ; but a little con-
sideration may suffice to show that it is quite consistent with
the principles and precepts of the New Testament. I hope
thou wilt be enabled to be faithful even in these matters ;
and that thy light will, in all things, shine before men to the
glory of God the Father.

Seek daily, and more often than the day, for retirement
before the Lord ; and pour out thy heart to him in fervent
prayer. Take care never to neglect the deliberate reading
of the Holy Scriptures, both in private and in thy family circle,
and may thy wife be of one mind with thee in following and
serving the Lord !

TO PRISCILLA JOHNSTON.

Earlham, 8th mo., 8th, 1835.

* * * I have been much interested by reading Lord
Brougham's Discourse on Natural Theology. He has some
strong points on the right side, and is a noble defender, not
only of the wisdom and goodness of God, as revealed in
created things, but also of the immateriality, independent
existence, and immortality of the soul. But he nevertheless
treats his subject like a man who has but little knowledge of
scriptural religion. I am quite aware that natural theology
has its own proper department, and I own I have a great
delight in it, and would have it kept distinct. Yet no man
can ever truly unfold it, who does not know and love
Christianity. It is just here that one perceives the difference
between Brougham and Butler.

I leave home again under some difficulty, but the object is
of so much importance that it must be no common bond that

«t. 48.

RETURN TO MANCHESTER.

53

would retain rac there. I have often thought of thy hint
about Manchester, referring us to the Lord as the lover of
even balances. This remark exactly applies to our need in
this case. May he graciously bestow and preserve amongst
us that evenness of balance which he so justly loves.

The illness of his beloved daughter, who since
their return to Earlham, had been seized with
typhus fever, occasioned Joseph John Gurney much
anxiety, especially in the prospect of again resuming
his labours at Manchester, where the committee
had appointed to meet on the 10th of the 8th
month.

"The work, however," he writes in his Autobiography,
" was too important to be neglected, and, hard as was the
struggle, yet, with the sanction of our medical attendant, I
pursued what appeared to be the path of duty. Our meeting
was an important one. Isaac Crewdson's answer to our
Strictures was before us, and contained much that seemed, to
evince his continued attachment to the views of Friends. In
a private conference he made some further declarations, which
were satisfactory to the committee ; and these, through my
earnest persuasion, were at last reduced by him to writing,
handed to the committee, and recorded in our minutes.
They were read to Friends in the committee of the Quarterly
Meeting, and afforded, on the whole, so good a hope of
reconciliation, that we resolved to cpuit the scene of action for
several months, trusting that, with the Lord's blessing, the
swelling billows on all sides would subside into quietness, and
the mischief produced by the controversy die out and cease.
In this glad hope I returned home, and had the happiness to
find my daughter recovering."

But he was now once more permitted to be
plunged into deep affliction. It was an unlooked

54 ILLNESS AND DEATH. 1835.

for stroke. His beloved wife, whose health had, of
late years, much improved, had been unremitting in
her attentions to his daughter during her late illness,
without apparently suffering in consequence. The
disease was, however, lurking in her constitution, and
after some time made its appearance. The fever
gradually gained ground, and she sank under it on the
29th of the 9th month.

""When we became aware of the nature of her complaint,"
ho writes in his Autobiography, " it appeared of so mild a
character that we were by no means very anxious. A decided
prevalence of hope cheered us as the disease advanced to its
crisis ; and it was no small happiness to wait upon the beloved
object of our care, and observe her quiet, comfortable, and
even lively condition. Precious were the religious oppor-
tunities which we enjoyed together from day to day. At
length, however, delirium came on; weakness rapidly
increased, and I was brought to the inexpressibly afflicting
point of surrendering my dearest earthly treasure. For
almost thirty hours before her end, she lay in a state of
insensibility, after which, though speechless, she suddenly
recovered her powers of perception, recognized us one after
another, and expressed her joy and happiness, by the most
radiant smiles. It was like the bursting forth of the setting
sun from under the dark clouds. Cordial was her response
to the remark that "Jesus Christ is all in all;" and her
answer to the question "Whether she was comfortable," was
the most remarkable exhibition of delight which could be
given by mere motion and expression. I am not aware that
I ever witnessed such an appearance of ecstatic pleasure. I
say so with reverent thankfulness to the Author of all our
mercies. From this state of bright effulgence, she sank into
a gentle calm, and in a few minutes without the least struggle,
breathed her last. I knelt down and returned heartfelt
thanksgiving for her deliverance in Christ, from every trouble."

MT. 48.

OF HIS WIFE.

55

TO A NEAR RELATIVE.

Eariham, 10th mo., 2nd, 1835. '

* * I begin in some degree to understand where I am,
which, during the first two days after the awful and unex-
pected stroke, I found to be difficult. The " inbrcathings"
of the Holy Spirit to which thy letter alludes, are my support
and comfort under this truly bitter sorrow. My own secret
infirmity of mind almost passes conception, but I am per-
mitted to feel and know assuredly that there is an influence
from above, which restrains the buffctings of Satan, brings
all into soundness, sweetness, and calmness, and enables me
to rejoice in her happiness, and even on my own account to
give thanks.

Never have I known such a combination as I found in her
of a strong and lucid intellect, a sound judgment, great
amiability and generosity, and deep abiding piety. Her
views of religious truth were of a very comprehensive and
well balanced kind, and it was her joy and strength to abide
under the teaching of the Lord's "anointing." This, in fact,
was the grand secret of her excellence, connected as it was
with a daily and diligent study of the Holy Scripture. She
was admirably versed in the Greek Testament, and used to
read it to mc with a fluency and beauty of pronunciation,
and with a nice spiritual and critical discernment of its
meaning which I have seldom known equalled. A more
adapted companion it was impossible for any man to have
found, and the blank and loss must be in proportion. I am,
however, most thankful for having enjoyed her society during
more than eight years, and undue sorrow is precluded by
some living sense of the fulness which is in Christ.

The following stanzas written by Joseph John
Gurney after her decease, and subsequently pub-
lished by him as part of the Christian's Race,
beautifully describe her character.

5G

HER CHARACTER.

1835.

Iler's was the tultur'd and the lucid mind,

The generous heart, the conduct ever kind,

The temper sensitive, yet always mild,

The frank simplicity of nature's child —

Nature unspoiled by fashion or by pride,

And yet subdued by grace, and sanctified ;

The cheerfulness, devoid of base alloy,

That bade her speed her even course with joy,

Yet left full scope thro' her revolving years,

For love's fond grief and pity's softest tears ;

The abstinence from self — an humble view

Of all she said, and did, and thought, and knew;

The elder's judgment in the youthful frame,

And love to God and man, a deathless flame.

* %
Her early covenant not vainly made,
Like some fair flower, she blossom'd in the shade,
Till with advancing years aflliction came,
And wan disease oppressed her slender frame.

^ ^ ^ y~

Her virtues grew in sorrow's lingering hour,
Her faith was deepen'd by the Saviour's power,
She rose, replenished with abundant grace,
For larger duties, in a wider space.
Blest was our union ; all that life endears
Brightened the current of those rapid years,
Brightened and swelled ; — around her bounty flowed,
Her soul, enlarging, with fresh fervour glowed j
Her views of truth extending more and more,
As Scripture, daily studied, spread its store.
'Twas hers each rougher wave of life to smooth,
To advise and comfort, elevate and soothe.
Fondly we hoped, when, with no faltering voice
She bade her friends in Jesus Christ rejoice,
Fondly we hoped, her gifts with years would grow
To enlarge, improve, the struggling churcb below;
But God ordained a higher walk of love,
In boundless regions, witb the blest above ;
The summons came, the accepted hour was given,
Her sainted spirit smiled and sprang to heaven.

JET. 48.

LETTERS.

57

More than a hundred letters which have been
preserved amongst his papers manifest the deep
feeling which the event awakened in the circle
of his numerous friends. From these a very brief
selection only can be here given.

FROM ELIZABETH DUDLEY. L
Peckham, 9th mo., 30th, 1835.

What can I say to thee, my beloved friend and brother, in
this the day of thy calamity, that is not likely to be said by
other nearly interested, sympathizing friends, and suggested
immediately to thy own mind, as a source of encouragement
and comfort ? Happily, thou knowest where to look for
availing succor, and hast proved the faithfulness of him,
who, whilst he sees meet to afflict and wound, sustains by his
own almighty arm, and pours the balm of heavenly consola-
tion upon the sorrowful and bleeding heart. In the darkest
dispensations of his providence, the eye of faith perceives a
bright spot whereon to rest ; though joy may be far from the
dwelling, and for a season, sadness and mourning be not only
allowed, but called for and sanctioned. She whom we have
lost was lovely and justly beloved in an extensive circle of
relatives and friends. Her endearing cpialities and sincere
piety awakened respect and affection where the acquaintance
was but slight; while with intimate knowledge, nearness of
regard and union seemed increased by every fresh interview,
and her capacity for usefulness in various ways more and
more developed. I was peculiarly sensible of these feelings
when we were last together; and my heart became bound to
her, in tender and religious fellowship, to a degree which was
surprising to myself, and made the parting painful, though
attended with sweetness.

I trust thou wilt be kept in calmness and resignation,
knowing "that it is the Lord." He will be mercifully with
thee in the furnace, and in his own time bring thee out
uninjured, with fresh capacity to serve and praise him.

58

LETTERS ON THE DECEASE

1835.

FROM THE BISHOP OF NORWICH,
(then in bis 91st year.)

London, October 3rd, 1S35.

My very dear Friend,

Taught by severe experience, no one can know
better than I do how to estimate ' your loss; a loss for which
you Avant no Bishop to remind you that there is only one
remedy.

Yours ever most sincerely and affectionately,

Henry Norwich.

from dr. olinthus gregory.

Woolwich, 10th October, 1S35.

* * "What a mercy, that in the midst of the darkness and
desolation, the grief and the agony, in which so heavy a stroke
leaves an affectionate spirit, you are not without " strong
consolation." You have lost her whom your soul loved, but
blessed be God, only for a season. A few more years of
active exertion in promoting the glory of God, and the salva-
tion of souls, and then you, dear friend, will be called to your
reward, and she and you will again meet to separate no more
for ever. * * Doubtless you are often called back in your
mournful meditations to think how happy your dear wife was,
and how happy she made others ; yet you will, I trust, by the
merciful supply of grace and consolation, be enabled to point
your meditations in the opposite direction and think how
happy she is — how everything now, without the slightest draw-
back, augments her bliss. 0 ! the ineffable delights of that
state, in which there is a perpetual increase of knowledge
without any mixture of error; a glorious measure of holiness
without the least degree of sin ; constant peace and joy
without the slightest intermixture of solicitude, sorrow,
weariness, or pain ; the most pleasing, refreshing, unwearying
society, in which no misconception of motive, sentiment, or
principle can enter ; the uninterrupted exercise of the
purest love ; " the spirits of the just made perfect inter-

mv. 48.

or HIS 'WIFE.

.59

mingling their energies and their excellencies in an ever
augmenting, ever flowing stream. All rests upon the rock
of the Divine veracity, binding upon our hearts and
confirming to our faith, the deep conviction that all the
ineffable delights, all the high prerogatives " of the saints in
light," are stamped with the seal of eternity. How do we
read again, and again, and again, of "everlasting life," "eternal
glory," "the everlasting kingdom," going "no more out for
ever," "an enduring substance," "pleasures for evermore,"
"an incorruptible crown," "a kingdom which cannot be
moved," "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
And why is this placed before us in so rich a variety of forms ?
but that we may trust the record even when we cannot trace
the hand, and cherish the persuasion that when our Heavenly
Father removes from us our dearest delights, he takes what is
his more than ours, and transplants them to a higher region,
his providence concurring with his grace in saying " Come up
hither."

From his sister Elizabeth Fry, who had been
with him on the occasion of the funeral, he received
the following : —

Upton Lane, 10th mo., 14tla, 1335.

I have exceedingly missed your dear sorrowful party, and felt
a certain painful lowness in being out of the sweet, solemn,
holy atmosphere, that surely we appeared to live in from day
to day. Sorrow passes through many variations of feeling.
On coming to the stripped,, low, and at times tossed estate,
when simple faith, and not present consolation, must be our
stay, there is need to possess the soul in patience ; and thus to
wait for the fresh opening of the springs of hope and consola-
tion. When I wake at night and in the morning, I think of
thee in thy lonely condition ; but I rest confidently assured
that thy Lord will be thy stay, and, howevei; high at times the
waves may appear to arise, they never shall overflow thee.

I have had several sweet glances at the kingdom where all
is rest, peace, joy, and full satisfaction ; but when a prospect

GO

OX THE DECEASE OF HIS WIFE.

1835.

of this state is permitted, then the fear enters lest those we
love, and perhaps ourselves at last, should fall short of it, —
there are so many hindrances here, — and then again some joy
is felt over the beloved departed ; the warfare accomplished, —
what a consideration ! May we continue in faith, patience,
humility, and dedication, to fight the good fight, until we
come to the same blessed end. The time is short, therefore,
we must go on, nothing doubting, remembering that " faithful
is he that calleth us who also will do it," and in him we must
wholly trust.

I am truly thy most loving and sympathizing sister,

E. Fey.

P. S. Jonathan Hutchinson once said to me, "school-
masters give apt scholars hard lessons." So with our
Master ; this thou mayest take home.

"The present stage of my grief," writes Joseph
John Gurney, to a near relative, a few weeks after
his bereavement, "is one marked by some pecu-
liarly trying and sorrowful feelings, and much
conflict has been occasionally my portion. But I
believe that nothing will do but patient bearing,
and waiting in hope for brighter and better things.
This I strive after, and can gratefully acknowledge
that I am surrounded with many precious allevia-
tions, and am not forsaken by the God of all hope and
comfort."

mi. 48.

LETTER.

Gl

CHAPTER XXIX.
1835—1837. 2et. 48—49.

third and fourth visits to manchester; extracts from
journal; yearly meeting; conclusion of the labours
of the committee; journey in scotland and the north
of england; prospect of visit to north america;
letters ; granting of certificates.

Amidst this deep sorrow, Joseph John Gurney was
again called to his painful duties in Lancashire. The
Yearly Meeting's committee had appointed to meet at
Manchester, in the twelfth month. " May the Lord
open my way in the path of duty," he writes in his
Journal, " and provide for all my need by the riches
which are in Christ !"

FROM WILLIAM FORSTER.

Bradpole, 10th mo., 27th, 1835.

* * I have often •wished that I could write and tell thee
with what fulness of sympathy I was bearing thee in constant
remembrance. It was much more of an effort to me than I
was willing any of you should know, to turn my back on
Earlham, but most of all to break away from thee. I had
been so entirely at home with thee, and thou hadst been so
much to me — every thing that a friend could be — and I had
partaken so largely with you of the peace, and joy, and hope,
with which you had been sustained, that it required as much
resolution as I could command, to pursue the course it seemed
best for me to adopt ; and it was long before I could feel that
I had actually left you. Throughout the clay I had such a
sense of thy affliction, and thy conflict of mind, and such

62

THIRD VISIT OF THE COMMITTEE.

1835.

assurance of our Saviour's love and care towards thee, that I
was glad to be left very much to myself, and did not wish for
the best of conversation to divert my attention from that which
had such full possession of my mind and feelings. I had
books enough, but I had not much inclination to read them,
for I had enough to do to think where I had been, and what
I had witnessed ; and I dwelt upon that which I had seen of
the power of the grace of God, much to my instruction and
to the confirmation of my faith. * * *

I look forwards with much comfort to our impending
journey together into the north. Friends seem as if they could
not give up the hope of having thee there.

In what I have written, I have told thee but little of my
feeling of the past, the present, and the future, as it relates to
thee, and all the hope and confidence I have for thee. What
a pleasure will it be if in any way I should be of the least use
or comfort to thee.

The following are from Joseph. John Gurney's
Journal : —

11th mo., 8th. The last week has passed very smoothly ;
our dear little home party uninterrupted, and our course of
study pursued diligently ; but the tone of my own mind has
been very low, and the conflict occasionally severe. I
believe that, through infinite mercy, I have not murmured;
but indeed I have nothing to look to, nothing to depend
upon, except the one great source of hope and consolation,
the infinite and unmerited mercy of God in Christ Jesus.

11th mo., 10th. I feel this morning, in some degree willing
and desirous to leave, (forget I cannot,) that which is behind,
and press forward in hope. Yet there is a holy forgetfulness
of that which is behind, at which the Christian pilgrim must
aim, and to which he is sometimes enabled to attain in the
name of the Lord.

12th mo., 9th. I have completed my evidence on the
Beacon, &c, and, after some inexpressible conflict, find myself

2ET. 48.

TO LANCASHIRE.

63

ready for our journey to Manchester. We hope to set off to-
morrow morning.

In allusion to this visit he writes : —

1st mo., 8th, 1836. All the committee, except two, met
on seventh day morning, the 12th nit. It was a great
favour that I found an opportunity during this first morning
of our lahours, to read to the committee the whole of my
strictures on various demi-unsound pamphlets, which laid a
clear foundation for further arduous service in the working of
our business.

The committee concluded its operations, for the present,
on seventh day evening, the 2nd instant, at Manchester.
Such a fortnight it has never been my lot to pass before. The
engagement of mind; the intensity of thought and feeling;
the strong and clear expositions of sentiment ; the singular
turns of Providence ; and, above all, the gentle, unseen, resist-
less influence of the "anointing," and the grace and goodness
of our ever present Caretaker and Holy Head, were, during
this period, most remarkably displayed.

During the whole time, though not unfrcquently finding
relief in tears, I was mercifully sustained in quiet peacefulness,
not without an occasional flow of natural pleasure, and I be-
lieve of joy in the Holy Ghost. I have repeatedly said, that
the inexpressible sufferings through which I had previously
been passing, seemed to me but an adequate preparation for
the peculiar, new, and difficult duties which devolved upon me,
a poor, weak, and blind one, during this memorable and
important time. * * *

" It was a time," he writes in his Autobiography, " of great
pressure upon us, for strong were the currents setting in from
opposite quarters, both of which required to be stemmed.
When I was on the scene of action, my private conflicts dis-
appeared, and I was graciously strengthened, from day to day,
for the extremely difficult path in which I believed it my
duty to tread. Of one thing I think I am sure, that, both in
public and private I was enabled to bear an unflinching tes-

64

THIRD VISIT OF THE COMMITTEE 1835-1836.

timony to the truth, as it is in Jesus Christ our Saviour : the
Lord alone be praised for it.

The result of the visit was, first the decision of the com-
mittee, (reported to the Monthly Meeting,) not to recommend
disciplinary proceedings on the doctrinal question of the
Beacon ; and secondly, to hand Isaac Crewdson their private
advice to withdraw for a time, from public ministry, and from
attending the meetings of ministers and elders. The two
conclusions, in my opinion, were not inconsistent with each
other ; both arising, by a kind of necessity, from the circum-
stances of the case. But, indeed, some of us on that- occasion,
were called on to endure a ' fight of afflictions.'

Whilst I had no unity with the spirit of disaffection and
restlessness which marked the course of our dissentient
Friends, I found it my place in the whole affair, to set a
strong guard against opposite dangers ; and these I had from
time to time to press upon the attention of my brethren. The
committee adjourned to the fourth month (1836,) and I spent
much of the intermediate time in drawing up my Remarks on
the Defence, (written in reply to the Beacon,) which have been
printed for private use, but not published ; also in extracting
from several other modern publications of Friends, (wholly
unauthorized by the Society,) passages which appeared to me
to be erroneous and dangerous, tending (Avithout the smallest
intention on the part of the writers,) to the weakening of the
true faith of the Christian. Fully and faithfully did I lay the
subject before my brethren on my return to Manchester ;
and, the author of the Defence having removed out of
the scope of the committee's labours, I spent a morning in
company with Josiah and William Forstcr, and another
member of the committee, in reading my remarks on his work
to the men elders of the meeting, of which he had before been
a member. They were also sent to the author himself, who,
I may add, is a truly amiable and pious individual.

Isaac Crewdson having substantially complied with the
advice of the committee respecting his ministry, nothing
further was done in his case, in the fourth month. Some
other features in the general question of disunity among

JET. 48.

TO LANCASHIRE.

65

Friends, were, however, closely attended to ; and we again
left Manchester in peace. ( >n my return home, I continued
to pursue the object to which I have already alluded, and
wrote the Strictures on 'Truth Vindicated.' This publication,
teeming as it does with the kind of error I am speaking of.
was written by an anonymous author in Wales, once, but not
now, a member of our body. It is a work of no small ability,
and had been (through carelessness, I trust,) circulated and
patronized by many Friends. Under these circumstances,
some check was essential. When the Strictures were finished,
I laid them before the Morning Meeting, which, of course,
did not commit itself to the controversy ; but, after some
discussion, set me at liberty to publish them, giving an
explicit verdict that no sentiment was advanced in my pam-
phlet at variance with the principles of the Society of Friends.
Two thousand copies were rapidly sold ; and I look back on
this little service in the cool of the present hour, with much
satisfaction and thankfulness.

The followincr are from his Journal of this
period : —

2nd mo., 21st. I feel thankful that I have not been
moved by any thing which has occurred, from my own position
in the Society. A little hope yet lives that a remnant will be
preserved alive in the truth, and enabled steadily to maintain
it in its ivholcness. That hope is simply and solely in Christ ;
for in these days, the wisdom of man is more than ever fool-
ishness. 0 most gracious Lord God, who didst, as I
reverently believe, raise us up to be a people, graciously con-
descend to show forth thy matchless power for our deliverance
from all the snares of Satan ; and be pleased according to thy
wonted loving kindness, to guide me, thy poor unworthy
servant, in the path of simple duty, and show me from day to
day wherein thou wouldst have me and my children to serve
thee, 0 Lord, my God ! Suffer not one, who has preached to
others, to become himself a castaway. Anoint me with
abundance of the fresh oil of thy kingdom ; prepare and

Vol. II. — 5

66

STRICTURES ON TRUTH VINDICATED.

183G.

direct my work ; and enable me, I earnestly beseech thee, with
a single eye, to seek thine honour and glory, -who alone art
worthy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2nd mo., 23rd. Yesterday I took my Strictures on Truth
Vindicated, to the press, to my own satisfaction and relief of
mind. I have now to work on the Scripture Essay. I also
settled my accounts, and closed another year of pecuniary
prosperity with thankfulness, and with a desire to be a faithful
steward.

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

Norwich, 1st mo., 19th, 1S3G.

I have a surplus fund which I think I ought to dispose of
at the winding up of the year 1835, and had been thinking of
sending thee a portion of it, to which thou art perfectly wel-
come. I order Barclay and Co. to pay thy draft for the
amount. Pray do not allow thyself any compunction or
hesitation on this point. I shall always depend on thy being
perfectly free in mentioning thy needs to me. In fact, it is a
kindness, as I do not consider that my circumstances justify
much, if any accumulation.

4th month, ord. [Referring to his labours in connexion
with some controversial pamphlets.] As far as I can judge,
it is the present line of duty ; [though] in various respects
uphill and arduous, and one in which I may expect rebuke and
suffering. But "if our heart condemn us not, then have we
confidence towards God." And in the presence of the Most
High, and under some precious feeling of it, I think I can say
with truth, that my heart does not condemn me for being thus
engaged. 0 that I may be yet more delivered from the fear
of man ! more clothed with holy boldness as well as meekness !
0 that I may, in the conduct of this warfare, take every step
under the authority of the Lord's anointing, and not one step
without that authority !

As a general principle, I must surely be right in pleading
for simple, unalloyed, scriptural truth. May the great Ruler
and Head of the church graciously condescend to endue me

t

JET. 48.

LETTER OX GEOLOGY.

67

with wisdom, love and strength, that I may he preserved from
doing the least harm, and that the pleasure of the Lord may
prosper in my hands ! While these desires have been much
awakened, I feel the necessity of rising above the turmoils of
the day, and of knowing my soul to be really fixed on a better
and holier world.

Most merciful Lord God ! Be pleased, I humbly beseech
thee, to obliterate all my past sins in the blood of Jesus, and
plenteously to endue me with wisdom and strength, by the
power of the Holy Ghost ; that I may be enabled to stand
and advance in my rank of righteousness, according to thy
blessed will, for the benefit of thy church, and for a purpose
of thy glory, Amen and Amen.

Amidst Joseph John Gurney's other, and very
different engagements at this period, he found time
to write a short tract on a subject in which he had
been long interested. This he published in the
spring of this year, under the title of A Letter to a
Clerical Friend on the accordance of Geological
Discovery with Natural and Revealed Religion.*
Deeply as he was convinced of the inspiration of
Holy Scripture, and steadily as he was opposed to
any theory of the creation not reconcileable with
the inspired record, he was well assured that the
investigations of an enlightened science, when con-
ducted in a proper spirit, can, in the end, serve only
the more completely to illustrate the harmony of
the Divine mind as. manifested for purposes distinct,
yet not contradictory, in the book of nature and the
book of grace. " Let Geology," he writes in one of
his letters, "have her full scope in discovering the
ancient secrets of the crust of the earth — she will
wonderfully elucidate natural theology, and inflict

*This tract is reprinted in the Minor Works, vol. ii, p. 201.

68

THE YEARLY MEETING.

1836.

no wound on the religion of the Bible." To illustrate
this view is the object of this little tract, which may
still be read with interest, notwithstanding the
increased light that further research has thrown
upon the subject.

In the fifth month, as usual, he attended the
Yearly Meeting. Referring to it in the Auto-
biography, he says : —

The yearly meeting of 1836 was a time of no small interest
and importance. Although considerable excitement was
produced by the unexpected visit to this country of Elisha
Bates, without any certificate from his Monthly Meeting, yet
on the whole, the prospect of an increased degree of good
fellowship seemed to brighten upon us. In consecpience of the
unfair questioning which had arisen on the Society's views of
the Holy Scriptures, it was agreed to issue a declaration on
that subject. I ventured to state to the Yearly Meeting what
I apprehended ought to be the substance of it. These
suggestions were afterwards adopted ; the declaration was
brought in and passed, with the warm concurrence of the
body at large. It formed a part of the general epistle, which
was carefully drawn up by a judicious committee, and which I
believe to be as clear and important a document, considered as
a confession of faith, as was ever put forth by a body of profes-
sing Christians ; and it certainly ought to be received as a
sufficient reply to all doubters and cavillers on the subject of
the Christian belief of the Society of Friends.* This issue of
the Yearly Meeting afforded to my own mind a most acceptable
relief.

* The portion of the Yearly Meeting's epistle here alluded to,
is as follows : —

" Often as our religious Society has declared its belief in the divine
authority of the Holy Scriptures, and upheld the sacred volume as
the only divinely authorized record of the doctrines of true religion,
we believe it right at this time to revive some important declarations

J3T. 48. DECLARATION ON THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

69

Earlliam 7th mo., 10th. Some missionaries of the London
Missionary Society came to us on fourth day morning.
Williams's account of the South Seas highly interesting and
instructive ; about 250,000 nominal Christians now in the
islands of the Pacific, with rather a larger proportion, as he
thinks, of real Christians, than in this country. The history
of Rara tonga, discovered and christianized by his own instru-
mentality, very striking. In itself worth living for !

of Scripture itself, on the subject. It is expressly declared by the
Apostle Peter, that, "the prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man ; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost :" 2 Pet. i, 21. The Apostle John declares respecting
the gospel which he wrote, " These are written that ye might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that believing,
ye might have life through his name:" John xx, 31. Very per-
tinent and comprehensive is the language which the Apostle Paul
addressed to Timothy; "From a child thou hast known the Holy
Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works ;" 2 Tim. iii, 15 — 17.
Again the Apostle says, " Whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort
of the Scriptures might have hope;" Rom. xv, 4. -Finally, our
blessed Lord in reference to those divine writings, of which the
grand object, in accordance with his own declaration, was to testify
of himself, emphatically declares " the Scripture cannot be broken :"
John x, 35.

'• Although most of these passages relate to the Old Testament,
our Society has always freely acknowledged that the principles
developed in them, arc equally applicable to the writings of the
Evangelists and Apostles. In conformity with these principles, it
has ever been, and still is, the belief of the Society of Friends, that
the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by
inspiration of God; that, therefore, the declarations contained in
them, rest on the authority of God himself; and there can be no
appeal from them to any other authority whatsoever : that they are
able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus, being the appointed means of making known to us the blessed

70

LETTER.

1836

TO ANNA GURNEY AND SARAH M. BUXTON;
(then on an extended tour on the Continent of Europe.)

Earlham, 7th mo., 1st, 1S36.

I am quite pleased to be invited by Priscilla Johnston to
contribute to a parcel of letters for the "Ambassador's bag,"
for I assure you that though so far out of sight, you are
anything but out of mind to me.

I suppose that you are, as far as you can be, missionaries ;
and that wherever you arc, you do not forget the blessedness
of divine truth, either for yourselves or others. * * *

We are settled again at our delightful home. I am
surrounded with many comforts, and my dear sister Rachel
Fowler's being now fairly settled with us, is a satisfaction to
us all. The Yearly Meeting was a good one, and served
some important purposes. "We put forth a noble declaration
respecting the Scriptures, and on some points of doctrine, in
our General Epistle. I hope it will settle some who had
before been very restless. But my path in these matters is
still somewhat thorny and anxious. Indeed we have " need
of patience," that after we "have done the will of God" we
may "receive the promise."

truths of Christianity : that they are the only divinely authorized
record of the doctrines which we are bound as Christians to believe,
and of the moral principles which are to regulate our actions : that
no doctrine which is not contained in them can be required of any
one to be believed as an article of faith : that whatsoever any man
says or does which is contrary to the Scriptures, though under pro-
fession of the immediate guidance of the Spirit, must be reckoned
and accounted a mere delusion.

" We trust, however, that none of our members will content
themselves with merely entertaining a sound view on this subject ;
but that they will remember that the Holy Scriptures are given to
us that they may be diligently used, and that we may obtain a right
understanding of them in the fear of the Lord. Let us never forget
that their main purpose is, under the influence of the Holy Spirit,
to bring us to our Lord Jesus Christ, that by a living operative faith
in him, we may obtain reconciliation with the Father, and be made
partakers of everlasting life."

jET. 48.

RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENTS IN NORFOLK.

71

In the course of the summer he was occupied in
various religious engagements amongst Friends and
Dthers, principally in his own county.

"It was a time," he writes in his autobiography, "during
which I had much to suffer, not only from missing my
dearest earthly companion, hut from the weakness of my
nervous system ; yet in the blessed influence of the Spirit, the
Comforter, and in the exercise of ministerial labour, I found,
from time to time, the requisite relief. This was particularly
the case in two of the visits, one to Lowestoft and Pakefield,
where my dear sister Richenda Cunningham was a special
helper ; and the other to "Wells and Holkham. In the latter
I had some rather intimate communication with Lady Anne
Coke, for whom I have long entertained a sincere friendship :
and, at night, read the Scriptures and ministered to the
whole family, guests and household, from 70 to 80 in
number. It was a time of much solemnity, and reminded me
of the visit to Knowsly, already recorded in this Memoir.
Thomas William Coke,* is the prince of British commoners,
now a very old man, a complete gentleman of the old school,
eminently courteous, and remarkable for a frank, honest
demeanour. I was with him some time since, at his one
hundred and first . half-yearly audit, when 110 tenants came
to dine with him and pay their rents. On the evening which
I have just mentioned, both he and his lady appeared to feel
a good deal ; and I have no doubt of the sincerity of their
religious principles."

In the autumn of this year he was again closely
engaged with the other members of the Yearly
Meeting's committee in Lancashire, and was also
much occupied in a somewhat extended course of
religious labour in the North of England and in

* Afterwards Earl of Leicester.

72

FURTHER LABOURS AT MANCHESTER.

1836.

Scotland. Of these engagements lie has preserved
the following record in the Autobiography: —

When the committee met at Manchester, in the 9th
month, 1830, we soon learned that, since the Yearly Meet-
ing, our friend Isaac Crewdson had re-coinmenced and
continued his ministerial functions without reserve ; and at
the same time it was evident, that so far was unity from heing
restored, that the breach had become wider than ever ; so
much so as to render it increasingly clear, that principles
were at work, on either side, which operated to make the
distance between Friends and the dissentients greater and
greater.

This was indicated by a variety of circumstances ; but more
especially by certain devotional meetings held by the dissen-
tients, on first day evenings, and conducted on principles of
worship, essentially different from ours. Was it right that
under these circumstances, our still valued friend, the author
of the Beacon, should continue to act as a minister in our
meetings, notwithstanding the advice of the committee, that
he should for a time withdraw from the service ? Was it
possible for us, as faithful servants of the Yearly Meeting, to
leave this difficult case without further care, and just in this
position ? Constrained, as we were, to answer these questions
in the negative, what course remained for us to follow ?
None, as I conceive, but that which we adopted ; namely,
that of taking no further responsibility on ourselves, and of
simply reporting the actual state of the case to the church,
in which, by our discipline, reside, in all such cases, both the
authority and responsibility, under its holy Head., We
therefore went to the Monthly Meeting with a simple report
of the fact, (already published to the world by Isaac Crewd-
son's friends,) that the committee had advised him to desist for
a time, from his public ministry, and of the further well known
circumstance, that this advice had been disregarded.

No sooner was this report read to the Monthly Meeting,
than I*;iae Crewdson's friends demanded of us a clear decla-
ration of the grounds on which the advice in question had

JET. 48. ENGAGEMENTS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.

73

been given. The meeting agreed to request the committee to
answer the inquiry. We accordingly withdrew to consider
our reply ; and then it was that I felt it my clear duty,
decidedly to stand forth in defence of our well-known
principles. I therefore voluntarily undertook to give the
answer to the Monthly Meeting. Friends freely accepted the
offer. We returned to the meeting ; and, under a measure
of holy anointing, graciously afforded, as I believe, for the
occasion, I was enabled quietly, and with sufficient clearness,
to state the grounds of our advice. Nothing of importance
was said in reply ; the question was drawing to its inevitable
settlement ; and, after a long and painful discussion, in which
the committee refrained from taking any side, (as to the yea
or nay,) the meeting came to a solid conclusion, to confirm
the advice of the committee. * * * *

We now left Manchester, agreeing to meet again in about
five weeks ; an interval of no small value and relief to myself,
though filled up by labour as well as pleasure. Be it ever
remembered, that, in the cause of Christ, labour is pleasure !
It was on a seventh day, that I went from Manchester to
York, where I met my children and their aunt Rachel
Fowler. The sabbath was spent at York, and a large public
meeting held in the evening. On the following morning, a
meeting of peculiar solemnity took place, greatly to the
comfort of my own mind. It was with the patients in the
"Retreat;" and afforded me renewed evidence of a fact of
which I had been before convinced, that insanity in its more
moderate degrees, by no means prevents the worship of
Almighty God ; and further, that the public acts of worship
are highly soothing to persons afflicted with that worst of
natural maladies. On the occasion now mentioned, many of
the poor sufferers found relief in abundant tears, and I trust
some ability was afforded us, even to rejoice together in the
Lord our Redeemer.

From York we proceeded to Darlington, where we spent a
few interesting days. It was a great pleasure to find our-
selves under the roof of our cousins Jonathan and Hannah
C. Backhouse. They had been travelling for some years in

74

ENGAGEMENTS IX SCOTLAND.

183G.

America, and great was the comfort of their friends in their
restoration to their home and family.

Whilst at Darlington I felt much interested in the religious
welfare of the coal-pit men in that neighbourhood ; there
being too much reason to believe that infidel, and even
atheistic publications had been extensively circulated amongst
them. A meeting of them "was convened one first day after-
noon, at a pit's mouth, near Bishop Auckland, a temporary
awning having been erected for the purpose. A very large
company assembled, (from 1500 to 2000,) and I trust it was
a time in which the truth was permitted to triumph over all
doubts and cavils. I afterwards held a similar meeting near
Newcastle. Here my sister Rachel Fowler and Anna met us,
and after some good service, (as I trust) especially in two
meetings for young people, we pursued our course into
Scotland. There we visited Hawick and Jedburgh, (where I
held a good public meeting,) Melrose, &c, and so passed on
to Edinburgh. Lively and pleasant indeed was our short
sojourn in that place. It gave us the opportunity of enlarging
the circle of our friends. More particularly was I pleased to
form a friendship with Dr. Abercrombie, the author of those
able works, so generally esteemed, on the Intellectual Powers,
and Moral Feelings. No man, perhaps, has written more
ably on the subject of the moral principle, universally com-
municated to mankind. He came to dine with us at our
hotel, and I took the opportunity of explaining to him the
views of Friends on this subject, namely, that the light which
enables the conscience to perceive the great dictates of the
divine law, even independently of an outward revelation, is a
measure of the influence of the Spirit, graciously bestowed on
all men through Jesus Christ our Lord. He made no
objection to these views, and I have seldom found them
otherwise than acceptable to evangelical Christians. Dr.
Abercrombie is considered the first physician in Edinburgh.
His works display a mind of a very lucid and acute character;
a combination of sound philosophy and evangelical piety,
which renders them invaluable. We enjoyed some true
communion in spirit before we parted ; and I trust we shall

JET. 49.

LABOURS OF THE COMMITTEE.

75

always remember each other in love. Dr. Chalmers with his
family we found at Burntisland, a sea bathing place in the
north of the Forth. Very much was it to our mutual
enjoyment to meet again. His conversation was luminous as
usual, and he received my strong words of warning against
hio-h-churchism with great good feeling. In a parting
opportunity we were brought into that unity of spirit which
overflows all sectarian distinctions.

From Burntisland wre proceeded to Wemyss Castle, a fine
old baronial residence on the rocky coast of Fifeshire, where
our friend Captain Wemyss treated us with characteristic
hospitality ; thence to Benny Hill, the comfortable little
lairdship of the Johnstons, where two days, passed with my
niece Priscilla and her husband, were to our mutual comfort,
and so across the country by Stirling to Glasgow. At a
large public meeting there, I had to insist, in an especial
manner, on the influence of the Holy Spirit, reviewing the
subject after the manner of Friends. I afterwards found that
Dr. Wardlaw, who had published a book on the Beacon side
of the controversy, was present with a great number of his
people. At his request we went to breakfast with him at his
cottage on the banks of the Clyde, when I had a full oppor-
tunity of more explicitly informing him of our true views of
spiritual influence, and of correcting his misapprehensions
respecting us. He received the communication with great
attention and respect, and I trust it served a good purpose.
We parted in much love, after fervent prayer had been offered
for him and his interesting family.*

After holding many meetings in Cumberland, especially in
the coal and lead mining districts, where there appeared a
great openness among the people towards Friends and their
doctrines, I returned to Manchester. Great were the diffi-
culty and conflict which awaited us there; nevertheless I
believed it to be my duty to support Friends, in promoting a

* Joseph John Gurney afterwards addressed to Dr. Wardlaw
several letters on these subjects; which he subsequently published.
See Friendly Letters to Dr. Wardlaw, Norwich, 1836.

70

LABOURS OF THE COMMITTEE.

1836.

total change in the " overseers," and in discouraging the
irregular meetings for worship, which the dissatisfied party
had instituted. The difference of principle between that party
and the society had become so obvious, that no other line of
conduct could be pursued by me consistently with my own
views. The crisis was now come ; the Monthly Meeting
appointed new overseers ; and, within a very short time, our
long-valued Friends, Isaac Crcwdson, William Boulton, and
many others — in all, about fifty — resigned their membership
in the society.

Most sincerely do I love these Friends, and heartily do I
desire their welfare ; but we arc separated, not merely by a
diversity of practice, but by the difference of principle on
which that diversity is grounded. We must, therefore, agree
to differ — in the humble hope that, through a reverent, abiding
trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, we may meet at last where
differences will exist no longer, and where all misconceptions
of one another's conduct, will for ever cease.

Thus terminated the proceedings of the committee
at Manchester. The Friends, who then resigned
their membership, at first established a separate
meeting, which was, however, discontinued in the
course of a few years, as its supporters found that
there was little to distinguish them from some other
communities of professing Christians. Those who
withdrew from Friends in other places about the
same period, gradually became, in like manner,
united to other Christian societies. No distinct
body now survives to preserve a memorial of this
secession. But though the loss of so many who
might have been valuable members cannot but be
greatly deplored, it may be thankfully acknow-
ledged that, whilst not insensible of its weakness,
the Society of Friends, in England, has been mer-
cifully permitted to emerge from these difficulties,

jst. 49.

DEATH OF LOUISA HOAIIE.

77

more than ever united in its attachment to the
essential spirituality of the Christian religion, in
its inseparable connexion with pure evangelical
truth.

"In reviewing my conduct," adds Joseph John Gurney
towards the conclusion of the foregoing account, " I am very
ready to acknowledge that, under the difficulties of the case,
I may have been betrayed into some minor errors in
expression, &c. ; but on calm and deliberate reflection, I am
not aware that, in any respect of importance, I could have
acted differently. In reference to these painful affairs, in all
their various stages, I can say with the apostle, ' I trust I have
a good conscience.' "

During Joseph John Gurney's absence on this
journey, he received the sorrowful tidings of the
decease, after a rather lingering illness, of his sister
Louisa Hoare, the wife of the late Samuel Hoare,
of Hampstead. With the warmth of brotherly
affection, he thus traces her character in the
Autobiography.

" What a sister and friend has Louisa been to me ; and how
glowing is the picture of her that memory is often painting
for me ! Perhaps I should not be far wrong in estimating her
as superior, in point of talent, to any other of my father's
eleven children. She was a calm, deep thinker, and applied
her well wrought out views and principles to action with a
perseverance and exactness which were very uncommon. No
small sense had she of the true bearing and value of the views
of Friends ; but her circumstances in married life strongly
led in another direction. Education was her great forte.
Her work on Nursery Discipline, or the Early Education of
Children, is replete with wise thoughts, well expressed, and
has met with a widely-extended circulation. A little book on
the same subject, for the use of the poor, is also of much

78

PREPARATION FOR

183G-1837.

value, as is her interesting Memoir of a Workhouse Boy. She
had a larger and yet more important work on hand, being a
collection of contrasts between the effects of religion and
irreligion, afforded by the lives and deaths of the godly and
ungodly, the believing and unbelieving, the righteous and the
Wicked. I never could persuade her to prepare it for the
press : but I still hope it may in time see the light. The
decease of her eldest son inflicted a wound on her sensitive
constitution from which she never recovered. Her sufferings
were peculiarly affecting ; but she struggled against them with
a well-principled steadiness which afforded us much instruction ;
and her hold on the truth, and on its blessed promises, was
never shaken.

The winter was spent by Joseph John Gurney
mostly at home, in the enjoyment of the company
of his children. During this recess from more
active labours, a prospect of extensive service in a
distant land gradually opened before him with
increasing clearness. The following extracts will
enable the reader to trace the course of his mind in
relation to this important subject.

After a short visit to London where he was
detained a few days by a heavy fall of snow at the
house of his brother Samuel Gurney, he writes : —

1st mo., 5th, 1837. The commencement of the new year
was felt with a sort of melancholy solemnity ; but the Lord
afterwards seemed very graciously to lift up the light of his
countenance upon me. My situation just now in the church
is one of considerable humiliation ; which I think I am
content to bear, if so be the precious cause of eternal truth
may not suffer through me. A calming influence is cheeringly
spread over my own mind this morning, in the humble belief
that the Lord will provide.

1st mo., 11th. I could hardly have believed it possible that
four or five days should have witnessed so remarkable a

JET. 49.

MORE EXTENDED LABOURS.

79

change in my condition of mind, prospects, intentions,
feelings, &c, as has been the case since my last entry. For
several months past, I have been suffering from time to time
under a state of conflict, and a weight of sorrow, for which I
was wholly unable to account ; though at no time, that I
remember, have I quite lost either faith, hope, or patience ; or
quite slipped from my footing on the rock — Christ Jesus. It
seems to have been permitted for my humiliation ; for the
breaking of me down — yea, for the grinding of me into
dust — before the Lord ; and a thick vail of darkness was
spread over the future, which it was impossible to penetrate.
I often seemed to myself as one cast out and trodden on,
who could be of little farther use in the church of my
Redeemer.

During the continuance of this condition, I may gratefully
acknowledge that the anointing of God's Holy Spirit was
from season to season bestowed in a measure for my refresh-
ment ; especially through the exercise of the ministry. But
if the cloud broke away for a time, that time was but very
short ; and the hand of the Lord still appeared to be very
heavy upon me. Seldom, if ever, have I suffered more in this
way, than during last first day night ; a time of tempest-
tossing indeed ! Notwithstanding some relief in the morning

o o o

of second day, I went heavy laden and broken to call on .

A few words of ministry, which were then addressed to me,
seem to have been the appointed means of breaking the spell ;
and as I was afterwards riding to Thickthorn, my conflict
fled away, and I was left in a calm, but decided possession of
the most important religious prospect which has yet fallen to
my lot — a prospect which has been floating before me for
about twenty years, and now seems to be quickly gathering to
its focus. Delightful tranquillity was my portion during the
remainder of the day and the whole of the next day.

TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL GURNEY.

Fakcnham, 1st mo., 20th, JS37.

I believe that I ought not longer to delay informing thee
of my present condition of mind in reference to religious scr-

80

PROSPECT OF VISIT

1837.

vice. Our dear sister Fry is more aware than you are, of the
remarkable measure of mental conflict under -which I have
suffered for several months past.

About ten days ago, this conflict was wonderfully removed
in the view of quietly submitting without much further delay,
to a prospect which has been more or less floating before me
for nearly twenty years, of no less magnitude than that of
crossing the Atlantic, and visiting Friends and others in
America.

Ever since something like a surrender at discretion on this
subject, I have, with few intermissions, felt much more at
ease in mind, cheerful, and happy, and preserved from anxiety
about the future ; though at times, of course, a tide of fears
and doubts sets in upon me ; but it is my increasing appre-
hension, that the Lord is condescending to require the sacrifice
of me.

Until within a short time, I permitted myself to believe,
that some future year would prove to be the right time. My
present apprehension is, that there ought not to be any delay
beyond the present year ; and that, if nothing providential
forbids, it may probably devolve upon me to mention the sub-
ject at our ensuing Monthly Meeting, that is, on fifth day,
the 9th of next month.

Still my mind is by no means fully settled on that point ;
and I am, of course, open to your counsel. I know I shall
have your fervent petitions on my account, and your tenderest
sympathy.

I am quite tranquil, and feel a hope that if this matter is
required, the Lord will not be wanting in giving me the
double evidence which such a service seems to demand.

TO TIIOMAS FOWELL BUXTON.

Earlham, 1st mo., 2Sth, 1837.

My dearest Buxton,

Thanks for thy verbal advice on the subject of
America, and still more thanks for thy letter, which I am
able to digest with quietness to-day under a peculiar feeling

JET. 4'J.

TO AMERICA.

SI

of rest and relief. I very much accord with thee in thy view
of the principles on which it must he settled. "Do the will
of God, whatsoever sacrifice it may bring in its train, but
take care not to involve yourself in the sacrifice until you are
quite sure that it is his will."

To both these positions I say, "Amen;" but I wish to be
preserved from exaggerating cither the sacrifice itself, or the
kind and measure of evidence it requires. On both these
points I desire to be as simple as a child. First, with respect
to the sacrifice, I feel and acknowledge it to be great, and by
far the greatest I have ever been called upon to make in my
Christian course. Yet I do not consider that absence in a
distant land during two or even three years, involves the per-
manent surrender either of my home privileges or home
duties. It is what most men would submit to without much
hesitation in the pursuit of health. I have no idea that the
personal difficulties or deprivation of outward comfort, which
would attend the execution of such a purpose, would be to
any great or overwhelming extent. With respect to my
darling children, and all over whom I am here permitted to
exercise some beneficial influence, my mind is stayed upon
two grand considerations. First, that the influence of
Christian love, and even of Christian authority when
grounded in love, is by no means extinguished, but, in some
respects increased, by the absence of the party who exerts it ;
and it may by the very discipline which a temporary separa-
tion involves, be prepared for a yet more vigorous and decided
exercise in future. And secondly, and more especially, that
if my absence is ordered of the Lord, it is far safer for my
children as avcII as for myself, that I should be absent than
present ; for there is no example which I could set before them
with so little advantage as that of disobedience to the glorious
Saviour to whose service I wish them to be devoted. In the
mean time I feel a humble confidence that so long as I am
conformed to his will, he who protects the fatherless, will
graciously protect them and supply all their need, temporally
Vol. II. — 6

82

PROSrECT OF VISIT

1837.

and spiritually, unspeakably better than I could do by any
planning of mine in a direction contrary to the divine counsels.

These remarks bring me to my second head — the point of
evidence. I am free to confess, that for evidence I expect
only a quiet, deliberate, settled sense of duty, in connexion
■with my general call to the ministry ; such a sense of duty as
I cannot possibly bring upon myself; which lives through
times of appalling cloudiness; and which ever and anon, at
happier seasons, bursts forth with a brightness all its own,
rises into authority by its native power, and brings me, in
spite of all discouragements, into a happy and easy tranquillity,
if I am but submissive to it.

Thou wilt perceive that my views and experience on this
subject are connected with my general call to the work of the
ministry. With regard to that general call itself, I suppose
that Christians of every denomination who have entered on
so sacred a function with the seriousness which it demands,
Would acknowledge a similar experience, and would cast
themselves, in this awful affair between God and their souls,
on the same description of evidence. Here, perhaps, many
would leave it ; and, for the location and peculiar direction of
the work, would look for nothing more than that providential
guidance which is marked by outward circumstances. But it
has been for the last quarter of a century my settled belief
that the same description of evidence may be looked for and
ought to be followed with respect to what may be called the
secondary parts of a call to this service. " Thou shalt go to
all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee
thou shalt speak." It is upon this principle that I have
endeavoured to act ever since I was first so engaged ; and,
though I am very sensible of the infirmity of the earthen
vessel, I may truly say that I have found my Lord and
Master to be a most sure and sufficient guide ; and that my
security and success in the work, have ever been found to
depend on a simple, faithful following of the Lord's
"anointing." This is a clue that I dare not forsake or
neglect or refuse to follow. I have the belief impressed upon

El, 49.

TO AMERICA.

83

me, that if I did so, it would be to the peril of my soul.
And yet I humbly trust that the constraining principle which
binds me to the service is love rather than fear.

I am far from confining this view of the immediate
guidance of the Holy Spirit to the work of the ministry. I
apply it generally to our whole course of duty, and even to
temporal avocations, which are more or less connected with
our own religious interests and those of others. I think thy
own experience with respect to parliament and parliamentary
duties has, in an eminent degree, tallied with this remark.
But I nevertheless conceive that the application of this
doctrine to the ministry of the Gospel is marked with pre-
eminent clearness, and operates with peculiar force.

With regard to my prospect of parliamentary duty some
years ago, to which thou hast alluded ; certain it is that I was
led to the consideration of it under feelings which appeared to
me to be of a sacred character ; but never was I brought to the
point of concluding that the thing was right ; and after some
trial of patience, I was delivered from all bonds on the subject,
without any human instrumentality, and without any aid from
circumstances.*

With respect to America, after all that can be said on every
hand, my only course is to go to my Lord and Master, in
simple faith and fervent prayer, with the question — "Is it of
myself, or is it of thee V or, in other words, " Is it wrong
or is it right?" the two questions being perfectly equivalent.

I will not say that I am yet in possession of that full and
clear affirmative answer to this question, on which it is safe
for me to act. And most heartily do I desire that, in weighing
the subject, I may be preserved from presumption. But
honesty compels me to acknowledge that the conviction that
this is actually the path which he sees fit to point out to me is
not decreasing. In the mean time I am mercifully favoured
with some quietness, and I hope sobriety of mind. My hum-
ble hope and belief is, that if this thing be not required of
me, he will either providentially or spiritually, cast a bond

* See supra, Vol. I, p. 493.

84

FROSPECT OP VISIT

1837.

upon me which will detain me here ; and that if it be required,
you -will all he able, in due season, to adopt the language,
" Loose him, and let him go."

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

Norwich, 1st mo., 31st, 1S37.

I am glad to report comfortably of myself to-day, as I am
far better in body ; and in mind tranquil and at ease, in
unreserved submission to the prospect already mentioned to
thee. I feel increasingly bound to it, and cannot believe that
the voice which leads me into it, and which during the last
few days has been very distinct, is the voice of a stranger, or
any other than that of the true Shepherd. "With regard to
time, though I felt pretty well satisfied with the view taken by
thee of it when we were together, it is now evident to me, that
the peculiarly close conflict which has been allotted me for
many months, was, (though unknown to myself,) preparing me
for an earlier surrender to the service. My natural judgment
also coincides with this, for when such a burden is decidedly
laid upon the mind, there is nothing like throwing it off without
unnecessary delay. Otherwise one is crippled and spoiled for
everything else. So also with respect to the Monthly Meeting,
I believe it best to give Friends their full time, though an early
beginning of it may be the consequence. I have endeavoured
just to tread on the "stepping stones" as they have appeared,
and in this way have now mentioned the subject to all my
brothers and sisters, and to all my partners in the Norwich
bank. The result is, less difficulty and obstruction than might
have been anticipated. But I have had my low seasons, and
may have them again before I go further.

1st mo., 2Ath. We had an excellent meeting last fifth day
morning ; William Forster's ministry most delightful ; on
being brought through the fire. Dearest Catherine, Rachel,
my aunt, and my own children, have now been informed of my
condition of mind, and I have written to my brother Samuel,
&c. Under the trial necessarily occasioned by this develop-
ment, I feel wonderfully tranquil and quiet ; and, in some
degree of the breaking down of my own will before the Lord,

JET. 49.

TO AMERICA.

85

only desire to be favoured, on a calm and deliberate view of
the case, with sufficiently clear evidence as to the real path of
duty. I feel, in the meantime, happily able to attend to the
calls, and even the pleasures of the day.

2nd mo., 5th. [Referring to a visit from two of his
brothers.] I believe they have both left me with the feeling,
that this sacrifice, alfecting as it evidently is to them and all
the family, as well as to myself, must, unless providentially
impeded, be quietly submitted to. I have been favoured with
unbroken tranquillity ; although, at times, lowness, as well as
some anxiety about my bodily state, have been my portion.
On the whole, it is impossible not to perceive, that the way
towards this prospect has been so far wonderfully made for
me. Oh ! that I may continue under the constant and settled
impression that I can do nothing well of myself, and that so
far as I am enabled to go forward steadily in the path of
apprehended duty, it is entirely of the grace and goodness of
the Lord !

According to the Christian order which has been
long established in the Society of Friends, it was
necessary, before Joseph John Gurney could go forth
in the extensive service now before him, that he
should obtain not only the concurrence of the
Friends of his own neighbourhood and county,
testified by the "certificates" of the Monthly and
Quarterly Meetings, of which he was a member; but
also that of the Yearly Meeting of ministers and
elders, consisting of representatives and others from
the various meetings of Friends in those stations in
Great Britain and Ireland. On the morning of the
day on which he was about to lay the subject before
the Friends of his own Monthly Meeting, he received
the unlooked for intelligence of the death of his
sister-in-law Lady Harriet Gurney.

86

CERTIFICATES GRANTED BY HIS MONTHLY

1837.

lie afterwards writes : —

2nd mo., 1-itJi. Third day. Oh ! the importance, and, in
some respects, awfulness of the past week ! During the former
part, my mind continued tranquil, but fixed without change
on the prospect before me. At my request, our visitors left
us on fourth day morning, that I might have that day quietly
to myself at home, in order afresh to ponder all my ways.
Our little home circle was calm, and, on the whole, happy;
the night easy to me. But, alas ! while I was dressing on
fifth day morning, a special messenger from Runcton was
ushered into my chamber, with the appalling intelligence that
our dearest sister Harriet had been prematurely confined, and
was dead. I was favoured with much quietness of spirit on
receiving these heavy tidings ; broke them to dear Catherine,

and rode to Norwich to inform C W , who, with

Lady J , and Catherine, were requested to come to Runc-
ton at once ; then returned to Earlhara to see Catherine before
her departure ; and afterwards went to our solemn, most
important meeting. The meeting for worship was refreshing,
and yet deeply searching. Frances Page spoke excellently on
the case of Elijah at Mount Horeb ; and I was led to vindicate
the certainty of the divine guidance by the voice of the Spirit;
obedience to it being the only safe j>ath either for time or
eternity. The women were requested to keep their seats for
the Monthly Meeting; and, after a solemn pause, I fully
unfolded my weighty concern for America, not feeling that
the duty of so doing was in the least degree affected by the
trial of the morning. The subject was well considered, under
'deep solemnity, and very full unity and sympathy were
expressed by large numbers, so that a certificate was ordered.
Dear Frances Page thought that a ram might possibly still be
caught in the thicket ; if so, how entirely willing shall I be to
accept it ; but if not, may I have grace to go simply forward !
Early the next morning, I went off with Anna to Runcton.
There I passed sixth, seventh, and first days ; a time of deep
mourning indeed, especially sixth day. Afterwards we were

SET. 49.

AND QUARTERLY MKKTIXCS.

87

more tranquil. My dear brother is •wonderfully calm, and
supported, though broken, and sorely tried. I read with the
household and others twice on first day ; and we were, I trust,
favoured with the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit,
accompanied by a sweet apprehension of her perfect happiness.

3rd 7)io., 10th. Yesterday our Monthly Meeting was
largely attended. We had a solemn meeting for worship, in
which it was given to me to speak of the quietness of those
in whom Christ governs ; its foundation and characteristics.
Afterwards my certificate was read and signed, under feelings
of great solemnity. It was to me inexpressibly affecting.

4th mo., 4th. The Quarterly Meeting, on fifth day last, was
well attended, and a very solemn season. In the consideration
of my certificate much unity was expressed, and, I believe, felt
generally ; and the certificate of the Monthly Meeting was
finally completed by an excellent endorsement.

4th mo., 10th. Peace of mind — the result of an arrange-
ment with my partners, respecting my profits from business.
I give up one-third of my own share of profits to those who
stay at home and do the work. My partners have been very
kind and considerate, and the arrangement is made from my
own sense of propriety and duty. I have looked closely at
the question of renouncing a considerable proportion of my
income, which, had I continued at home, might have been ex-
pended for the good of others ; but it is done in apprehended
obedience to a higher call ; and with, at least, a sincere desire
to promote the kingdom and glory of my Redeemer. As
America opens before me, and the way to that vast field of
service seems gradually clearing, my soul is bowed in reverent
•prostration before the Lord, with the earnest desire, that he
may be pleased to preserve me and my darling children, whom
I am to leave behind, from falling into any of the snares of
the enemy ; and that we may meet again in peace, if it may
be, on this earth ; but, above all, and far beyond every other
consideration, before his mercy-seat, in glory : there to unite,
with many tenderly beloved ones, in endless songs of thanks-
giving and praise to the Lord God, and to the Lamb.

S8

DUBLIN YEARLY MEETING.

1837.

Previously to the Yearly Meeting in London, he
this year also attended the Yearly Meeting of
Friends in Ireland. On his return from these
engagements he writes: —

6th mo., 11th. Returned home last evening, with my sister
Rachel [Fowler] and Anna, from Upton, after nearly seven
■weeks' absence ; a period of deep interest and importance,
in the retrospect of which I can feel my own weakness and
unworthiness, and praise the Lord for his great and unmerited
goodness.

The first point of our journey was Birmingham ; where I
examined the school, attended the Quarterly Meeting, and
held a young people's meeting. Thence with our cousin, B.
Dickenson, to Coalbrookdale, where we paid a precious fare-
well visit ; reached Holyhead on sixth day night, and arrived
at Dublin early the next morning. The Yearly meeting there
was a good one. I trust I was enabled to preach the glorious
Gospel with power. Friends abounded in kindness towards
me and my dear children.

On second day morning, in our third week, my children
and I set off for Limerick, on our way to Killarney ; which
latter place we reached, after some little difficulties, the
following evening. The weather was delightful ; and the
evening of our arrival, and the following day, were pleasantly
spent in surveying the magnificent beauty of the scenery.
Thence to Cork, where we were kindly entertained by A. Beale,
and sailed the next morning for Bristol ; which place, after a
voyage of twenty-eight hours, we reached in safety on seventh
day, and found a peaceful home at Sarah Allen's. A very
exercising Sabbath followed, in which I had to plead earnestly
for the principles of the Society ; and a public meeting was
held in the evening.

Our fifth week commenced with a first day morning at
Stoke Newington, which was very satisfactory. The two
following days were occupied by the Yearly Meeting of minis-
ters and elders. On third day morning I brought forward my

.ET. 49.

YEARLY MEETING IN LONDON.

89

American prospect; it was most carefully sifted, and de-
liberated on, and ended with a clear decision for my liberation.
The principal question raised had respect to time. That the
concern itself was of the Lord, and that the present is
the right time, may bo said to have been the conclusion of
the meeting ; though perhaps some on both sides might fairly
be considered to be in opposition to the prospect. I have not
regretted the shape which the matter thus assumed, and
though the ordeal was exercising, I was well satisfied with the
meeting. At the adjournment, the certificate, drawn up to
my entire satisfaction, was passed and signed without altera-
tion.*

* The following copy of the document furnished to Joseph John
Gurney on this occasion will not be without its interest to the
general reader : —

to friends in north america.

Dear Friends,

Our beloved friend Joseph John Gurney, a minister in
unity, and well approved amongst us, has, with much weight,
informed us of an apprehension of religious duty, which for some
years, at times, has impressed his mind, to pay a visit in the love of
the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Friends in
North America; he also informed us that he had a prospect of
holding meetings with the people at large, in some places, in the
course of his travels, and that he has an apprehension that he may
find it laid upon him, to visit one or more of the West India Islands,
on his return home. He has produced a certificate from his Monthly
Meeting, endorsed by his Quarterly Meeting expressive of their
unity with him in his concern, and we think it right to add our
testimony to theirs, that his life and conversation are consistent with
his Christian profession.

This important and extensive concern has obtained our very
serious and patient deliberation ; after the expression of much unity
and sympathy, this meeting concurs with his prospect and liberates
him for the service before him. In granting him our certificate we
commend our dear friend to the tender care of our Almighty Father
in heaven. We feel a very strong desire that he may be kept in a
state of humble, reverent watchfulness before the Lord, relying day
by day, with holy faith and childlike simplicity, on the all-

00

LETTER.

1837.

FROM WILLIAM ALLEN.

Cth of the 7th mo., 1837.

My dear Friend,

The love and sympathy I feel for and with thee,
would have brought me to Liverpool instead of this letter, if
circumstances had not been too adverse to the undertaking.
May the sacrifice of all, which I believe thou hast made, be
accepted by our divine Master ; and may he condescend to
hear and to answer the ardent prayers, which thy follow ser-
vants are pouring out before him, for thy preservation, and
for a blessing upon thy labours in his cause ! May he preserve
thee humble, and ever depending upon himself, in all thy
movements and undertakings ; and then, whatever may be
the permission of his providence, in life or in death, thou
wilt be sweetly and eternally his own, and he will give thee
to feel that it is so. Remember those precious words, " I
know my sheep, and am known of mine." I wished to have
said something to thee about encouraging the prosecution of
our agricultural plans for the benefit of the people of colour,
but this may become the subject of future correspondence.
My feelings are too solemn, at present, to admit of more
than farewell in the Lord, my beloved brother, and may he be
with thee in every extremity. So prays thy affectionate

William Allen.

sufficiency of his grace; then should the enemy be permitted sorel}-
to buffet him, we trust that neither in heights nor depths, will any-
thing be permitted to harm him ; but that wherever he may be led
in the service of his Lord, he may both in public and in private
out of a good conversation, shew forth his works with the meekness
of wisdom. Desiring that it may please the great Head of the
church to prosper his labours among you, and at their conclusion
grant him a safe and peaceful return to his family and friends, and
that he may obtain your kind and tender sympathy,

With the salutation of Christian love,

We are your friends.
Signed by desire and on behalf of the Yearly Meeting")
of Ministers and Elders held in London by adjournments J »> ILLIAM ALLEN,
the 22nd and 23rd of the 5th and the 3rd of the 6th [ CLERK
month, 1S37. J

JET. 49.

SABBATICAL VERSES.

01

Before leaving England, Joseph John Gurney
printed a few Essays in poetry, under the title of
Sabbatical Verses. Composed during a period of
much affliction, they had helped to sooth some of
his solitary hours of sorrow ; and deserve the atten-
tion of the reader, both from their intrinsic merit,
and from the interest attaching to the circumstances
under which they were written and first presented
to the Christian public, " as a farewell token of
affectionate respect and regard."*

6th mo., 20th. I have to record with humble gratitude, that
though it has been through considerable conflict, we are much
advanced towards a quiet and satisfactory settlement of the
various points, connected with the Earlham arrangements in
my absence. I have not been very well or strong, and some-
times a little oppressed in spirits; but, through all, I have
been mercifully favoured with great calmness ; and no doubts
or misgivings respecting the main object before me have been
permitted to intercept my path, even with the alternative
before me, that it may be either for life or for death. My
brother Samuel has been most acceptably with us for a few
days; and William Forster, my most effective friend and helper
in the needful hour.

7th mo., Uth. I leave home to-day in much cpiietness
and peace. We had a very interesting leave-taking with my
Norwich friends and associates on first day evening. I have
been favoured to clear away all matters of business, and to
leave things in such order, that if my life should drop, no
one would be put to any difficulty about my affairs. Quietness
and peace are permitted to reign over my mind. We had
a solemn time with the servants this morning after reading.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be abundantly with us
all!

*They will be found iu Joseph John Gurney's Minor Works; vol.
ii. pp, 251—294.

92

DEPARTURE FROM LIVERPOOL.

1837.

CHAPTER XXX.
1837. mt. 49—50.

VOYAGE TO AMERICA; WHITES HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY J ARRIVAL AT
PHILADELPHIA ) JOURNEY TO OHIO, INDIANA, AND NORTH CARO-
LINA ; ATTENDANCE OF YEARLY MEETINGS J EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS
AND JOURNAL.

Joseph John" Gtjrney embarked from Liverpool in
the Philadelphia packet, Monongahela, Captain
Miercken, on the 8th of the 7th mo., 1837. Owing
to a succession of head winds, and occasional calms,
the voyage occupied seven weeks.

1th mo., 8th. On board the Monongahela, seventh day
night. My circumstances are so new, so strange to my
natural feelings, that it is no wonder that I can as yet hardly
understand myself. But I can understand, that the Lord has
condescended, in an astonishing manner, to hear the broken
and feeble petitions of one of the very weakest of his children ;
so that, through infinite mercy, even I am not a castaway,
but graciously protected by the wing of his love, and sent
forth, under a measure of his own anointing, for his own ser-
vice. Our parting from the little circle at Earlham last third
day, our journey to Liverpool, our short sojourn there at the
pleasant abode of our dear hospitable friends, I. and T. Had-
wen, the precious meetings which we have enjoyed in that
dearly beloved family party, have all bespoken the loving-
kindness and tender mercy of the Lord ; and, not least, our
parting religious opportunity on board the vessel, when my

jei. 49.

VOYAGE.

93

dear sister Fry once more raised her voice in solemn supplica-
tion. What am I, that the Lord should permit so many of
his servants to be my helpers, and to utter blessed words for
my encouragement — words full of hope and confidence, and
flowing with a Saviour's love ? Bow, 0 my soul, in reverent
gratitude before the God of thy life, who has so richly pro-
vided for thy needs, cleared away every obstruction, and is
now making a path for his servant through the mighty deep.
The feeling of being on the bosom of the ocean for so long a
voyage, is touching and sublime ; and might lay painful hold
of my nervous nature, were it not for some happy sense of
the sustaining and protecting arm of omnipotent love. William
Forster's last words in ministry to me, were for the purpose of
reminding me of our blessed Saviour's declaration, " Behold
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Here
is my security, here is my comfort, here let me take my rest
on the bosom of the mighty deep.

1th mo., 10th. We have enjoyed a noble day's sail ; a fine
view of the Tuskar Lighthouse, on the coast of Wexford,
about seven o'clock this morning ; and soon afterwards we
were clear of the narrows of St. George's Channel. We
have been since bearing to the south of west, in order to be
clear of the Irish coast, and of Cape Clear, at its south-
western extremity, without being liable to the necessity of
tacking. The entrance on the vast Atlantic was peculiarly
sublime, from the various considerations with which it is
connected, in addition to the great beauty and glory of the
ocean scene, ruffled by a gentle breeze, and sparkling, under
the sunshine, with innumerable living diamonds. I have
seldom experienced a more thrilling and pleasurable sensation
than on this occasion. During the day, some little squeamish-
ness, from the increased motion of the ship, has been my lot ;
but I have read a good deal, and have felt in comfortable
spirits, favoured with some ability to trust in the Lord, and
to commune with him.

The intervals of leisure afforded by the voyage
were employed by Joseph John Gurney in several

94

VOYAGE.

1837.

minor literary undertakings. Besides the Tribute
to the memory of Jonathan Hutchinson, sub-
sequently published, it was now that he wrote, at
the request of one of his nephews, the little volume
of Autobiography, of which so many extracts have
been laid before the reader. Meanwhile his fellow
passengers were not forgotten.

1th mo., 16th. The wind is clean contrary, -which is some-
what of a trial to ray easily discouraged mind ; but I am
thankful to have a little faith given me according to my need.
"We have enjoyed two very solemn meetings, in the cabin and
on the deck, attended by about fifty, the captain, passengers,
sailors, &c. I trust the glorious gospel was not preached in
vain ; the sailors, especially, appearing very thoughtful and
attentive.

Seventh clay. This day completes our fortnight at sea, and
although our progress through the waters has not been very
great, yet, on the review of this time of novel experience, I
feel that I have much for which to be very thankful. We
have been preserved in safety, and although conflict of mind
has at times been my portion, I may commemorate frequent
occasions of peculiar favour and peace. We have had adverse
winds ; dead calm ; fair wind for a season, and now somewhat
the contrary again. How incontrollable is this moving power
by any human being ; how consoling the remembrance, that
our Heavenly Father holdeth " the winds in his fist." We
are in lat. about 47 deg., in long. 23 deg. Nothing could
well be more solemn to my feelings, than the calm which pre-
vailed on fifth day, late in the evening ; scarcely a breath of
air playing with the sails, the ship motionless, in the midst of
a mighty ocean. My condition was one of much lowness,
for the enemy had been beating against me within, with many
a stormy, restless wave ; so that the suggestion arose, am I
a Jonah, to stay the vessel on its course ? This temptation,
however, left me, after a very interesting meeting in the large
dark hold of the vessel, with the steerage passengers before

m. 49-50.

TO AMERICA.

95

they retired to rest ; many of them, indeed, being in their
beds. The voice of prayer and praise arose vocally, I humbly
trust with acceptance through the Saviour.

1th mo., 27th. I had much satisfaction last evening, in
lecturing a third time, to most of our party, on the Evidence
for religion derived from Science.

Sixth day morning, lat. 47 dec/., long. 45. We have been
in the midst of a great fog since yesterday morning ; and the
bell at the head of the vessel was ringing ever and anon
during the night, to warn any wandering vessel of our near
approach. This sort of weather is very common in the
neighbourhood of the banks of Newfoundland, and seems
rather trying to the captain and most on board. It is calcu-
lated to make us especially feel the value of the guiding eye
as well as the protecting arm of our God. The solemn sound
of the bell during the night kept me awake for many hours.
I felt both the singularity and the seriousness of my position,
but, I trust, I was not mistaken in the belief, that the Master
whose I am, and whom I desire to serve, quieted me with the
gentle voice of his Spirit ; giving me to believe, that as I had
borne testimony to him, in the cities of my native land, so I
shall have to do the same at Philadelphia. May I be bold,
discreet, and faithful therein, seeking to be wise as the serpent,
and harmless as the dove ; above all seeking after the stead-
fastness and integrity which are in Christ.

8th mo., 10th. We have gone through some tedious
navigation lately, having been compelled to make two long
south-eastern tacks, in order to get clear of Newfoundland,
and the fatal Virgin rocks. Notwithstanding these efforts,
rather an awful degree of anxiety prevailed last night, lest
our course, after all, might not be clear of them. However,
a nearly fair wind carried us swiftly forward ; we found our-
selves past the danger this morning, and are now about 1000
miles from Cape Henlopen. Thus have we renewed cause for
thankfulness to the Author of our being, and I retire to rest
with a quiet and hopeful mind.

Next morning. What rapid changes are we exposed to on
this restless ocean ! Soon after I made the above entry, the

90

ARKIVAL AT PHILADELPHIA.

1837.

weather became stormy, the wind roaring, the night exces-
sively dark, the lightning flashing, sails furled, the vessel
drifting, the captain and his men all night in action and
vociferation. My own mind was mercifully preserved in con-
siderable quietness. This morning we have nothing left to
alarm ; though our portion is a head wind, with rain and
fog. But Oh ! the. goodness of the Lord, in permitting a
gale as from Araby the blessed for the cheering of our spirits.
Solemn and sweet has been the meeting which we have just
been holding in the cabin.

8th mo., 12th. We have now been five weeks on board
this vessel. I had too readily given way to an impression,
that this day would see us in port. May I be instructed by
the disappointed hope ! As it is, I prefer having a few more
days at sea, that I may finish a little essay at Autobiography.

Evening. The day has been favourable and ends in peace.
I have been enabled to take a calm view of home, and of the
members of our family circle, with a degree of quietness and
comfort.

8th mo., 22nd. At the Capes, and in harbour within Delaware
breakwater. To Philadelphia we cannot go at present, the
wind being adverse and strong ; and no steamboat having
come to our help. The entrance through the Capes this
morning was very sublime ; and in being in harbour in America,
I have felt true quietness and peace, with much solemnity of
feeling.

8th mo., 25th. We reached Philadelphia last night, at nine
o'clock, after an interesting voyage up the bay and river of
the Delaware. The first introduction to America has been
fraught with lively interest ; and my arrival at my peaceful
abode, at John and Hannah Paul's, was marked by much
comfort and tranquillity: my dear friend, Stephen Grellct,
bein<i here to receive me.

8th mo., 21th, first day afternoon. It is more interesting
to me than I know how to set forth, to be at length engaged
in the work in this land. My way has been rather remark-
ably made so far ; and a general meeting for Friends is ap-
pointed for this evening at Arch-street Meeting House. The

<ET. 50.

FIRST ENGAGEMENTS THERE.

97

meeting of the northern district attended this morning, was
large, and favoured with much solemnity. I trust some hearts
were touched. After meeting "a hrook by the way" was most
graciously bestowed at Samuel and Jane Bettle's. Oh ! the
privilege of living gospel fellowship with the Lord's children.
I cannot express how thankful I am to find that, after all my
conflicts and temptations, it is yet mine. Lord, what can I
render ?

After three days spent in Philadelphia, Joseph
John Gurney's course was directed to Ohio and
Indiana, where he was desirous of attending the
ensuing Yearly Meetings of Friends in those
parts.

TO HIS CHILDREN.

On board the canal boat, on the Pennsylvania canal,

between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, Sth mo., 29th, 1S37.

My dearest John Henry and Anna — My last letter
would bring you up to my first Sabbath at Philadelphia. It
was a very good day, and I hope worth the preparatory
discipline attending our long voyage. Strange was it to me,
to begin my service in this land, and I cannot imagine
any place more interesting for such service, than Phila-
delphia ; the society large, and so many interesting
things and persons amongst them. I attended one large
meeting in the morning ; a second in the afternoon ; and in
the evening a general assemblage of the Friends met mc at
Arch-street meeting house, about two thousand present ; I
believe the largest assembly of Friends that has been known
there since the Hicksite separation. It was a noble sight, and
proved a satisfactory meeting. It was particularly laid upon me
to defend the character of the early Friends, with some reference
to the original formation of the society here : " The memory
of the just is blessed," it will not decay; but, in connexion
with this subject, ample was the scope afforded for the plain
declaration of the great truths of the gospel. Thus the day

Vol. II. — 7

98

JOURNEY.

1837.

ended well ; the ice was fairly broken at Philadelphia ; and at
five o'clock yesterday morning, (second day,) I set off with an
easy mind, with my kind friend John Paul for my companion,
towards the next object, Ohio Yearly Meeting. The route
lies through Pittsburg, which is about three hundred miles
from Philadelphia. We travelled about one hundred miles
to Ilarrisburg, (the seat of the Pennsylvania govern-
ment,) by railroad, comfortably enough, passing through a
well-wooded, fairly cultivated country, adorned with neat
looking villages, farm-houses, and barns ; not unlike the
scenery of England, but on a larger scale ; palings too, instead
of hedges ; the grain harvest quite finished, but the Indian
corn still growing, in large quantities, and of a great height.
Its appearance is beautiful. At Ilarrisburg we got into the
canal boat, which last evening was much crowded, and at
night we were bundled together, strangely enough to an
Englishman. However, every one found some kind of berth
to lie in. The canal passes through a delightful country,
alongside part of the Susquehannah, then of the Juniatta.
Both these rivers are highly picturesque ; lofty and well-wooded
hills rising from them, and the trees on the banks, rich and
varied. The scenery is amongst the finest I have anywhere
seen ; but peculiar, not very like anything in England. As
to natural history, I have observed the bald eagle quietly
seated on a tall tree ; the osprey floating over the river ;
abundance of small black and white woodpeckers with red
heads; the "yellow bird,"' a tiny active creature, of bright
yellow and black ; the large green bull frog, (good to eat,)
and the water snake of a muddy green ; also a variety of
beautiful wild plants ; splendid specimens of lobelia, blue
and crimson, Oenothera, convolvulus, calceolaria, wild sun-
flower, &c.

"We have a fine company of Americans, crowded together,
and eating heartily at a long table, three times a day. The
four judges of the supreme court of Pennsylvania are of the
number ; but appear to claim little supereminence. All are
equal here, with the single exception of the coloured. The
chief justice Gibson tells me that small crimes decrease, but that

MT. 50.

TO OHIO.

99

heavy ones fearfully increase ; •which he ascribes to the deter-
mination prevailing amongst Americans, to do what they
please; in short, to ultra-radicalism. Yet I am not unfavour-
ably impressed by what I have seen of their temper, demeanour,
manners, &c. ; quite the contrary. There is more of a gentle-
manlike civility, and less of that barbarous spitting than I
expected. Every body seems good tempered, as if the degree
of roughness which they undergo had rubbed off their
corners. The American aspect is very much marked ; persons
slim and active ; countenances thin, eager, and intelligent ; with
a peculiar air of independence. This independence, this
practical oblivion of all distinctions of class, is less offensive
than I should have expected ; as there is no want of polish in
those whom we should consider as constituting the upper
class. These four judges are decidedly agreeable, especially
chief justice Gibson, and judge Dallas ; cultivated and
intellectual men. They tell me that the English common
law is maintained here, with the exception of a few changes
introduced by American statute. These judges belong to the
supreme court of Pennsylvania, in which law and equity arc
united ; and which exercises an appellate jurisdiction over the
local and inferior courts. Gibson seems to me, in point of
information and mental force, very much on a level with
our judge Alderson, of whom he has reminded me ; but is
paid only about ,£600 per annum, instead of £5000 as in
England. It is, in my opinion, far below the mark.

Yesterday we passed over the Alleghany range of mountains,
by a wondrous railroad, consisting of a series of levels and
inclined planes, rising in all about 1400 feet from the first
level. Along the levels we were drawn by horses ; up the
inclined planes by ropes and pullies and steam power ; and
are let down by similar ropes in the descent- It is a vast
triumph of human art and enterprize. At Johnstown, on
the western side of the Alleghanies, we again took the
canal, and are now upon it, on our way to Pittsburgh,
which we hope to reach this afternoon. The canal, on
both sides of the Alleghany mountains, goes alongside of
picturesque and beautiful rivers; in the ascent, our companions

100

ARRIVAL AT MOUNT PLEASANT.

1837,

(as before mentioned) were the Susquehanna and Juniatta ;
and now, in the descent, first the Conemaugh, now the
Kiskiminitas, and we expect soon to reach the Alleghany.
Sometimes we get on to the rivers themselves in our course ;
and, when this is the case, we are treated with magnificent
scenery. 0 ! could you have seen the interior of our boat
last night ; judges, merchants, mechanics, gospel ministers
crowded together on the floor, the seats, &c. ; very little air
allowed. There was to me some suffering in it, and I was on
the verge of real illness ; but my mind was calm and quiet.
This morning we are comparatively comfortable, though the
more than four thousand miles, which now divide us, sometimes
hang heavy on my heart. Ups and downs in feeling, I must
expect ; but, on the whole, substantial happiness is my portion,
and I humbly trust yours also. We hope to be able to take
the Ohio river at Pittsburgh, and to pass by steam-boat to
Wheeling or Steubenville ; we shall then be within a drive of
two hours of Mount Pleasant, where the Yearly Meeting is to
commence next seventh day. I have long looked forward to
this service, and trust I may, through adorable mercy, be
favoured with ability to accomplish it. May I be clothed with
the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.

At Mount Pleasant, he writes in his Journal : —

First day evening, Vth mo., Zrd. After a voyage of uncom-
mon interest, as to the grandeur of the scenery, but rendered
trying by a variety of accidents and detentions, we arrived at
Wheeling by a row-boat, (in the dark the last four miles,)
about eleven o'clock on sixth day night ; and, by a romantic
road through the forest, came to this place while the meeting
of ministers and elders was sitting. We entered while our
beloved friend Stephen Grellet was engaged in prayer. I
felt much sweet peace in the arrival, and met a warm reception
from Friends. The meeting this morning was, to the view of
an Englishman, very large ; a very mixed company ; the scene
highly novel and interesting ; carriages of various kinds, and
numerous horses thronging, first to, and afterwards round

JET. 50.

OHIO YEARLY MEETING.

101

the meeting-house. It was an exercising and very solemn
time.

A public meeting in the large house is appointed for the
evening. The Lord has wonderfully condescended to me in
the work, for which I trust I can bow in reverent thankfulness.
May he pour forth his Spirit on the present occasion !

Second day morning. I am thankful to say, that this desire
was remarkably fulfilled. We had a blessed meeting last
evening, in which baptism into the name of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit, was, I trust, unfolded. It is pleasant
to be in good unity with Friends : but peculiarly needful to
dwell deep.

Smithfield, Ohio, 9th mo., 9th. Yesterday, Friends gave
me their return certificate, couched in full terms of approbation
and unity ; the current of feeling and expression was as full as
on any occasion I ever witnessed. Very interesting conference
in company with my beloved Stephen Grellet, who has been
throughout a kind friend and father to me.

This morning we had a good concluding sitting ; men and
women being together ; a weighty and dignified close. Surely
the Lord in his infinite compassion has been eminently with
us ! In coming forward to this sweet spot this evening, I
have much peace, being comfortably housed in my " prophet's
chamber," at Benjamin W. Ladd's, the window overlooking a
lovely scene.

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

Zanesville, Ohio, 9th mo., 24th, 1837.

It certainly has been very relieving and sweet to me
to find myself in full unity with Friends in this part, whose
returning certificate was all that I could desire. Since the
Yearly Meeting I have held numerous meetings in country
places, which have been large and exercising, many " Hicksites"
attending; and much service towards them. Considerable
impression appears to have been made in some instances.
John Paul was my agreeable companion, until after the Yearly
Meeting in Ohio. Since then, Benjamin W. Ladd has taken
me under his care, and is now driving me to Indiana.

102

OHIO.

1837.

I am greatly interested in the country. It is one of large
scope every way. It is highly satisfactory to observe how the
population is overtaken by the means of religious instruction
and worship — greatly the better, as I believe, for the absence
of the incumbency of an establishment. This town of seven
thousand inhabitants, is a specimen — seven or eight com-
modious places of worship in it, and I hope, a considerable
prevalence of serious religion. At the same time, I am too
young in the country to form an accurate estimate at
present. * *

" The country over which I travelled in Ohio," he writes in
another letter "(chiefly in Jefferson county,) is very much
of one character — a heautiful wooded wilderness of hill and
dale, gradually coming under more and more cultivation —
about half of it now cleared from Avood, and very productive.
Plentifulness and ease, on the sole condition of industry,
appeared to be the universal order of things. At a cottage
one morning, after a neighbouring meeting had been concluded,
such a cottage as an English peasant might not unsuitably
occupy, we were hospitably received by a small farmer and
mechanic. There was no strong drink on his table, but the
abundance and variety of the articles produced at dinner, all
served up in the most simple manner, really astonished me.
No servants, of course, in any such house. All people do all
things for themselves. I heartily wished as I went %Iong, that
I might myself become imbued with some measure of this
hardy independence. * * *

It is greatly to be regretted that the black and coloured
people of this state are far from being on ecpual terms, in point
of civil right, with the white population ; and, by a late law,
their condition, in this respect, has become even worse than
before. Repeated appeals to the legislature have been made
in their favour, by the Society of Friends. In the meantime,
they have more appearance of respectability, and even ease
here, than in some others of the free states of the union. I
remember meeting three negroes one day on horseback. One
of them was a farming man who had realized a little property;
another a minister of the gospel, on his way to his con-

jjt. 50.

JOURNEY TO INDIANA.

103

gvcgation ; the third a female respectably attired, the wife of
one of them. How happy will be the day when such scenes
shall become general on the other side of the river, in the
states of Virginia and Kentucky !

To return to the Journal : —

Jackstown, 22 miles tvest of Zanesville. We are stopping
here for the noon meal, dinner for ourselves and horses. The
meeting last evening at Zanesville was much favoured;
evangelical and spiritual Christianity was, I humbly trust, set
forth with some clearness, under the renewed gracious influence
of our Holy Head ; the assembly was large, and the quietness
and attention great. Notwithstanding this favour, I was
brought very low this morning, by the recollection of this time
two years, when my dearest wife was in the depth of her fatal
fever ; and a stranger in a strange land, must not expect to be
in high spirits. However, I am, I believe, content. I wish
to be no where else, and a little enlivening hope dwells with
me, that this pilgrimage is on my way to a better country.

May it be so, through the tender mercies of my God, in
Christ Jesus !

Richmond, Indiana, 10th mo., 2nd. The Yearly Meeting,
in its larger assembly, meets this morning. A week has
passed since I made the last entry, and I am still well and in
peace. The journey hither from Zanesville very interesting in
parts; the great Western road, almost crowded with movers in
that direction. Immigration seems the order of th'e day.
The country wooded and flat, interspersed with natural
prairies. At Columbus, the seat of government for Ohio, we
held meetings with 370 prisoners at the state prison, and at the
Lunatic Asylum, on the building of which 100 of them were
at work. The silent discipline at the prison appeared carried to
its highest pitch. I doubt its effects, though in some respects
it is very good ; the employments capitally arranged. Public
meetings on the road at Jefferson, and Springfield, at which
last place we were kindly entertained by Jeremiah Warder
and family. We arrived here at the peaceful abode of

104

INDIANA YEARLY MEETING.

1837.

Elijah Coffin, on sixth day. On seventh day, the meeting of
ministers and elders was large. The committee on Indian
affairs, in the afternoon, very interesting. Yesterday, after
deep and searching exercise of mind in private, was a day
highly favoured of the Lord. We had a vast assembly in the
morning, and a public meeting, by my appointment, in the
evening. I humbly trust, a good impression was made.
It is a comfort indeed to be again with my beloved friend
S. Grellet.

10th mo., 5th. I am thankful in feeling quiet and calm
this morning. Oh ! how graciously condescending is my dear
Lord and Master to tuy great natural weakness. I cannot be
grateful enough to him ; and may I patiently wait and quietly
hope for the clearing away of clouds and difficulties, in the
hour of his own appointment ! In the meantime, watchfulness,
faithfulness, meekness, may they be mine ! And may the
Lord in his tender mercy grant, that whatever provocation to
nature may fall to my lot, I may be so preserved in the
meekness of wisdom, yea, in the very truth, and in the life
and innocency thereof, as not to offend one of the little ones.
I preach to others rather loudly of the necessity of getting
rid of the idolatry of self, may I do it myself! Lord help
me in this work, I reverently beseech thee.

10th mo., 1th. All difficulties and clouds cleared away, and
the Yearly Meeting ended with great solemnity, a time of
unusual favour ; solemn fervent prayer fell to my lot at the
close. Friends have given me a good minute of acknowledg-
ment. Thus I have abundant cause to set up my Ebenezer,
to praise the Lord for his goodness, and to trust in him for
the future.

After noticing a, round of meetings in a district
where some controversy had lately arisen on the
subject of the Resurrection, he continues : —

Springborough, 10th mo., 15th. The time past at Duck
Creek was closely exercising. "VVe had a large and good
meeting in the morning, in which the truth was, I trust,

MT. 50.

JOURNEY TO NORTH CAROLINA.

105

plainly preached ; and towards the conclusion, I had to advert
to the true scriptural view of the resurrection, first from
dead works, and afterwards from the grave. In the afternoon,
I held a select meeting with the dissentients, and spoke
kindly and plainly to them, ending with prayer ; it was a
good time, and they appeared tender. The next morning a
harder meeting at Clear Spring, in which the last great day of
account was awfully before me. It ended with great solemnity,
and after parting from Friends in love, we arrived, after night-
fall, at the house of Joseph Cox, in the woods near Dublin.
He is an honourable elder of a superior mind, and our visit to
him and his family was very interesting to us. The next
morning, a long drive of about twenty miles over bad roads
brought us to Elijah Coffin's, at Richmond, and I devoted
most of the evening to writing an epistle to Friends of Spice-
land Monthly Meeting, in which the Scripture doctrines of
the immortality of the soul, the new birth, the resurrection of
the spiritual body, and the great day of judgment, are simply
stated with an exhortation to peace, cpuietness, &c. I have
left it for the judgment of the Committee of the Quarterly
Meeting, and feel peace in having taken the step.

From Indiana, Joseph John Gurney proceeded to
North Carolina ; an arduous journey of six hundred
miles across a region in parts but little settled or
cultivated. It appeared at first, difficult to obtain
a conveyance suitable for such a journey. "It so
happened, however," he writes in one of his letters,
" that a worthy member of the Society, was employed
to drive me to a neighbouring meeting, with a pair
of horses which he used in his business, and in a
carriage borrowed from one of his neighbours. The
animals were diverse in colour, but admirably
matched in pace and quality ; doubtless it was
because of their suitability to each other that they
bore the names of David and Jonathan. I soon

106

JOURNEY TO

1837,

perceived that this was the man, and these the
horses, which were to convey me from Indiana to
Carolina; and had afterwards much reason to
acknowledge that this was one of the many
instances of a kind providence, by which my course
in America was wonderfully facilitated. My friend
and his horses suited me exactly, and continued to
be my helpers through a much greater extent of
country, than I then contemplated. I bought a
humble, but convenient waggon, on wooden springs ;
an active young man accompanied us on horseback
as our guide ; and, our party being joined by three
other Friends bound in the same direction, we set off
on our journey in good health and spirits, at the
rate of about four miles an hour, a rate which,
though a slow one, was often exchanged for one
still slower."

GalUpolis, on the Ohio, 10th n:o., 20th. My mind has
undergone a good deal of conflict, but is much at peace after
the meeting this evening ; the close of my labours at present
on the -western side of the Ohio. They have been numerous
and arduous, but the Lord has been wonderfully condescending
and gracious to me, and abundant cause for thankfulness have
I for the help vouchsafed in the needful hour. We expect to
cross the Ohio into Virginia to-morrow morning. May my
gracious Lord and Master go with us to preserve us in perfect
safety, both of body and soul !

"We left Gallipolis early in the morning," he writes in one
of his letters, " and having crossed the Ohio, we entered at
once on the Virginian forest. Our journey was adventurous
and difficult, the road winding through apparently interminable
woods ; in some parts rocky and- hilly ; in others deep with
mud. As night approached, and night in these regions comes
on with little notice of twilight, we were pursuing our journey

jet. 50.

NORTH CAROLINA.

107

through the forest over a very high hill. By an almost
precipitous descent, we arrived, just before total darkness, at
a little farm house, where we earnestly hoped that we should
find a lodging. But no such accommodation was there. We
were instructed to go half a mile further to a more likely
tenement. In the course of this half-mile, we were in great
danger of being overturned in descending the steep bank of a
stream which it was necessary to cross, though all was then
darkness. I shall not forget the comfort of at length finding
ourselves in shelter and safety beside a blazing log fire, though
with rough fare, and in a very humble dwelling. Of the two
little beds in the kitchen, one was occupied by an elderly
friend of our company and his wife ; the other was kindly
reserved for myself. The rest of our company were lodged in
a small garret. Want of cleanliness is the only real pain on
such occasions."

Their journey through Virginia was continued
for several days along the romantic banks of the
Kenhawa.

"It is a curious circumstance," writes Joseph John Gurney,
" that numerous fountains of brine are found within a few
yards of the river. We were told that they bored for it, to
the amazing depth of 6, 7, or 800 feet. The salt produced
is excellent. The Americans are wonderfully eager and
enterprising ; but alas for the slaves, who are employed in
these works !"

"We arrived at night-fall," he continues, "at a comfortable
house of entertainment, kept by a notorious hunter, who,
amidst the wild mountains and forests of this neighbourhood,
had succeeded in destroying an amazing number of panthers,
wolves, and bears. These animals are still frecpient in a dis-
trict which, with the exception of the narrow and fertile valley
through which the river runs, defies all attempts at squatting
or settling. Wild cats are also numerous here, and the deer
abound. Not long previously, our landlord had killed two
bears and three deer one morning before breakfast ; at another

108

the hawk's nest.

1837.

time, a panther which, from the tip of its tail to that of its
nose, measured 10 feet 10 inches. The young panthers are
spotted ; the old ones of a light brown. One day when on
horseback, he was carrying a dead deer across his saddle
through the forest, and suddenly found himself surrounded
by seven wolves. The foremost aggressor, on a rising ground,
was ready to make his spring ; but the hunter shot him at
once, and the others immediately fled.

In the course of the following day, we left the romantic
river, and wound our way at a slow pace into the high country,
this being the course which the new Turnpike takes. As we
were pursuing our journey in an uninteresting part of the
road, and along-side of the forest, we observed on our right
hand a small path running up a hill, through the wood. We
had been advised to watch for it, and when found, to examine
it for ourselves. We accordingly left our carriages, and after
pursuing this sequestered path, on foot, not much more than
fifty yards, we found ourselves, unexpectedly, on the flat top
of a perpendicular rock, many hundred feet high. This was
the celebrated " Hawk's Nest." We laid hold for safety on the
bare boughs of a little cedar on the edge of the precipice, and
willingly gave ourselves up to the silent contemplation of one
of the most magnificent prospects to be found in North America.
The New River, which afterwards, with another stream, forms
the Kenhawa, is here seen winding its course first through a
romantic dell, and afterwards along an open plain at the foot
of a glorious chain of mountains covered with forest, amongst
which it appears at last to lose itself. The beauty of the
scene was much enhanced by the rich woods which lay im-
mediately below the precipice, and covered most of the plain
through which the river was flowing.

To be travelling through a population, a large
proportion of which is in a state of slavery, was a
circumstance very affecting to Joseph John Gurney's
feelings. But he was desirous to form no hasty
judgment of the state of things around him.

JET. 50.

SLAVERY.

100

"It is impossible," he writes, "for a casual traveller to
form an exact estimate of the real condition of the slaves in
America. One thing is certain, that they are systematically
excluded by law from all school instruction ; and though, un-
doubtedly, there are many humane slave-holders, it follows
from the very nature of the case, that great cruelties must
often be perpetrated. I well remember that an ingenuous
white lad who guided me, one day, to a bathing place on the
banks of the Kenhawa, gave me an affecting account of the
whippings with the cow-hide, (sometimes amounting to 200
lashes.) which are still often inflicted on these children of op-
pression. The best aspect under which I saw American
slavery, was at the public meetings for worship, which were
held, in the course of this journey, in numerous towns and
vill ages of Virginia and North Carolina. The slaves often
attended in considerable numbers, and generally occupied the
gallery, while the body of the house was filled by the white
inhabitants. I was glad to find that this liberty was allowed
them in many places, though the practice is not universal. I
felt it to be a privilege on these occcasions, freely to proclaim
those grand principles of Christian truth, which are of equal
application to bond and free ; but which, nevertheless, when
truly received and acted on, cannot fail to undermine the
system of slavery. Although, of course, the subject of
slavery itself could not, with propriety, be adverted to on such
occasions, I was often surprised by observing that a close prac-
tical application of the principles of the gospel, was not only
patiently borne, but even received with apparent cordiality.

Having arrived in North Carolina, he writes in his
Journal : —

11th mo., 2nd. We have journeyed along quietly to-day
forty-five miles, and are come this evening to a very com-
fortable house. My mind is graciously kept in a state of
much quietness ; and in the review of this interesting journey
of nearly 600 miles, I can indeed gratefully acknowledge the
goodness and loving-kindness of the Lord. Some trials of

110

NATHAN HUNT.

1837.

faith and patience have fallen to my lot ; but I know not that
the three weeks which the transit has occupied, could have
been more desirably spent elsewhere. I feel the prospect of
the Yearly Meeting for North Carolina, but humbly trust I
may again be mercifully helped in the hour of need.

TO HIS CHILDREN.
New Garden, North Carolina, 11th mo., 8th, 1S37.

It is an inexpressible pleasure to me thus to communicate
with you, my tenderly beloved children ; need I say, that you
are the perpetual subject of my thoughts and prayers ; my
fervent desire being, that you may have abundant grace given
you to serve the Lord in the beauty of holiness. * * *

You have heard of Nathan Hunt. He is now in his 80th
year, brought up in humble life as a blacksmith, I believe,
but a thorough gentleman in his manners, and his face
shining with the "heavenly oil." It is delightful to be with
the dear old man, to receive his unqualified tokens of hearty
unity, and to hear his outpourings in the ministry. Perhaps
about the best meeting I ever attended, was a public one held
by appointment of the Yearly Meeting yesterday. I had
been prepared for my share of it, by much lowness and trial
of mind, and have seldom felt the same power in preaching
the glorious gospel. Nathan Hunt's prayer at the close of
the meeting, was an extraordinary effusion indeed.

I am staying at the boarding-school, an institution which
promises well for the Society in these parts. It is under the *
superintendence of two valuable ministers ; Nathan Hunt's
daughter Asenath, and her husband Dougan Clarke. The
house is lately built in a very picturesque situation in the
forest, near the old Meeting-house. This latter is simplicity
itself, and looks like a large old barn, but the woods around
it are highly beautiful. The trees are more spreading here
than in the far west, where they grow to a very great height,
and have insignificant tops. The burial ground is quite
beautiful. A vast spreading oak adorns its centre. Here
rest the remains of many poor British soldiers, who died of

.et. 50.

XORTII CAROLIXA.

Ill

their wounds after Lord Cornwallis's victory at Guilford, in
the first American war ; the meeting-house having then
served as an hospital. It is a real pleasure and satisfaction
to be among Friends in these parts ; and I think it probable
that I may have to visit the subordinate meetings of this state,
before I attempt returning to Philadelphia. If so, I shall be
journeying about in my humble, but comfortable, conveyance
for some weeks. I wish you could take a peep at me and my
carriage, driven by my honest, serious companion, William
Kcnworthy, and drawn by those homely, lively, faithful
"creatures," David and Jonathan, the former bay, the latter
white. I cannot imagine a more suitable set out. Elizabeth
Co^cshall, who visited England many years ago, is here, to
my great comfort. She is a cheerful, pleasing Friend. I can-
not picture to myself a more wholesome form of religion than
she presents. Indeed, I may truly say, that abundant have
been the confirmations which I have received since my lot has
been cast in America, of the truth of those religious princi-
ples on which I am desirous of acting, and which, I trust, are
increasingly precious to you. When the Lord's anointing is
allowed its free course, without let, hindrance, or prejudice,
fervent evangelical love of the Saviour prevailing in con-
nexion with it, the effect is delightful. May you and I prize
it more and more !

In another letter he says : —

After the Yearly Meeting was concluded, I set off with
my kind friend William Kenworthy, and our excellent horses,
with a young man on horseback for our guide, on a visit to a
round of meetings in Guilford and Eandolph counties. Our
journey, which lasted nearly a month, though somewhat
laborious, was to me fraught with interest. The people at
whose houses we lodged from night to night, were in great
simplicity in their mode of living ; but the rough accommoda-
tion which often fell to our lot was amply compensated by
unvarying kindness. I could not be otherwise than surprised
and delighted by the flocking together of the people to the

112

LABOURS IN

1837.

meetings which were held, one after another, in the midst of
these woods. On some occasions the numbers collected were
so large, that, although it was now late in the eleventh month,
we were obliged to hold our meetings in the open air. This
circumstance, however, occasioned no material difficulty, as
the weather was delightful, and the sky without a cloud.

" I have no wish for any more intimate companion," he
writes to his children ; " and enjoy my frequent and deep
solitude. • I wish you could see me walking alone in the
woods, meditating on my darling children ; and I hope also
communing in some measure, with the glorious Fountain of
light and life."

In his Journal he continues : —

11th mo., lQth. [After alluding to the holding of several
meetings.] They have all been favoured times, and though
at seasons I have felt an inexpressible sort of solitary desola-
tion, and a temptation to impatience in not getting on more
quickly ; yet on a calm review of these few days, I can with
gratitude acknowledge, that all is ordered aright. The Lord
be praised for his matchless goodness ! The truth is simple
and changeth not ; I have no new doctrines to proclaim in
my ministry ; but the Lord in his great goodness has been
pleased to clothe it with considerable variety ; and, I believe,
his precious anointing has not been withheld. It has been
my earnest desire, and the frequent and fervent petition of
my soul, that I may be preserved from speaking in the name
of the Lord, otherwise than under the immediate putting
forth of this precious influence. I deeply feel I can do
nothing without it ; and, with it, there is a life which man
cannot command.

Never was I more sensible of this truth, and never did I
feel more bound in my spirit to exalt that holy principle of
grace in the heart, which will not make any compromise with
evil; and will, as it is followed, lead into all righteousness.
May multitudes be turned to it, saith my soul ! and may the

mt. 50.

NORTH CAROLINA.

113

Lord graciously enable me to maintain my integrity in the
truth, in humility, simplicity, and godly sincerity !

Ilf7t mo., 21st. I have been remarkably low every morn-
ing before the approaching exercise of my gift ; but I believe
this experience is needful to prepare for a purer and more
powerful service than would otherwise be attained to. I cannot
express how kind and liberal the Lord has been to me in be-
stowing his own blessed anointing. Never did I so fully feel
its value ; and never was I more alive to the comfort, as well
as safety, of keeping under it ; dependent upon it, and within
its limits. May this graciously continue to be experienced !
I am remarkably little disposed to any kind of subordinate
service, just now ; my simple business seems to be to preach
the everlasting gospel of my Holy Redeemer, to the sinful, the
weary, and the faint.

Having returned to New Garden, North Carolina,
he spent a few days at the boarding school for
Friends' children at that place; with the view of
encouraging the pursuit of scriptural knowledge
upon the principles which had been so beneficially
acted on at Ackworth. Thence he proceeded on a
visit to the southern and eastern parts of the state,
intending afterwards to go northwards to Richmond
in Virginia. This journey by the same mode of
conveyance occupied another month.

Thomas Thompson's, Eno. Fifth day evening, 12th mo., 7th.
We have arrived at this comfortable shelter after nightfall ;
our journey from Greensborough, over very indifferent roads
in part, having been thirty-eight miles. I have enjoyed and
prized the quietness of this day, passed in travelling ; the
Bible and Comstock's familiar work on Philosophy having
been (in addition to William Kenworthy, and Horace Cannon)
my acceptable companions. Yesterday was a favoured one.
After holding a very solemn farewell meeting, we cleared off

Vol. II. — 8

114 LABOURS IN NORTH CAROLINA. 1837.

happily from New Garden. Tranquil were our feelings,
though the parting from our beloved aged prophet* may be
regarded as final. We proceeded to Greensboro', where we
were favoured with a good public meeting ; the academy and
their "professors," being present.

12th mo., Oth. We continue to be mercifully helped on
our way. The meeting at Eno was satisfactory, and our
intercourse with our friends there, was, I trust, of some ad-
vantage to them. A drive of thirteen miles this morning
brought us to Chapel Hill, the seat of the North Carolina Uni-
versity. In the afternoon we held a meeting with the students :
more than 100 out of 140 were present, besides two of the
Professors, and the President, Governor Swaine. It was to
me a very relieving time, the internal evidence of Christianity
opening before me with great force and clearness, and utter-
ance, and at last, I think, entrance being graciously given.

12th mo., 12th. Our time at Raleigh was unusually pro-
ductive and interesting. The meeting on first day large, and
much favoured ; both white and black present. Yesterday
social and religious visits to many rather interesting people in
their families — Judge Saunders, Judge Cameron (to tea,)
Freeman (the Episcopal Minister,) Lacey (the Presbyterian,)
Wadsworth (the Methodist,) and in the evening we held
another very solemn meeting in the Presbyterian Meeting
House ; parting in much peace from the inhabitants. The
subjects of slavery, and the internal slave trade, which abound
here, have deeply oppressed and affected my mind ; but I have
felt quite clear in restricting my public labours to the faithful
preaching of the full gospel.

12th mo., 81st. The last day of 1887 ! A precious solitude
is now permitted in my comfortable chamber at John Hare's,
Summerton Meeting House, Virginia. We arrived near here
last evening, after a journey of thirty-six miles, from our
friend Nathan Winslow's, near Piny Woods. The fallow day
was useful to me, after a week of closely successive exercises,
which closed memorably with a visit to the Quarterly Meeting

* Nathan Hunt.

JET. 50.

REFLECTIONS AT THE CLOSE OP TUE YEAR.

115

School, at Piny Woods, (about forty children,) when the
Ackworth system of scriptural instruction was instituted there.
The love and openness of Friends, very precious.

I have now done with North Carolina, perhaps for ever;
and look back on the eight weeks spent in that state, with a
remarkably peaceful and unclouded sense of the goodness of
the Lord, who has led me along safely, guided my steps, put
his word into my mouth, and at times poured forth his anoint-
ing in a remarkable manner. "What shall I render unto the
Lord for all his benefits towards me ? I will take the cup of
salvation and call upon the name of the Lord ; I will pay my
vows unto the Lord, now in the presence of all his people."
On a calm review of this period, ought I not, above all, to
thank him for those very low states which have been so fre-
quent during its course, and which have never failed to lead
the way to a fresh supply of his unction and grace ?

In commencing with Virginia, and in looking forward to
arduous service at Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, &c,
I trust I am made deeply sensible of my own unworthiness
and unfitness for the work. 0 Lord, in the plenitude of thy
mercies, undertake for me, and let thy own glorious works
abundantly praise thee !

It is a solemn thing to me to close the present year ; and a
cause of unutterable thankfulness, in looking back upon past
conflicts, that I am permitted to close it in peace. Never,
I believe, while memory lasts, shall I forget the "ringing in"
of this year, by the West Ham bells, as I lay on my bed, in
the midnight hour at Upton ; it seemed almost like the knell
of death to me ; but surely America was at the bottom of it,
though I then knew not the cause of my suffering. Praise
the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me bless and
hallow his glorious name !

116

JOURNEY TO WASHINGTON.

1838.

CHAPTER XXXI.

2et. 50. 1838.

journey from richmond to washington; interviews with the
president; henry clay; JonN quincy adams; &c. ; meeting

AT WASHINGTON; BALTIMORE; ARRIVAL AT PHILADELPHIA ;
EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL AND LETTERS; NEW YORK ; RHODE
ISLAND; MASSACHUSETTS; JUSTICE STORY; DR. CHANNING $
REFLECTIONS ON COMPLETING HIS 50TH YEAR.

After spending rather more than two weeks in
Virginia, part of which was occupied in a visit to
Richmond, the principal city of that state, Joseph
John Gurney proceeded to Washington.

" During a week's journey from Richmond to Washington,"
he writes in one of his letters, " we came to a considerable
settlement of Friends at Cedar Creek. One of the principal
of them, a person of high respectability, had been distributing
some time before, an excellent address against slavery, which
had been issued by the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia.
This was an offence, which, by the law of Virginia, was
punishable with two years' imprisonment and hard labour in
the penitentiary. The case was brought before a court of
justice, and our friend was certainly in great peril. But his
known respectability called forth the better feelings of the
gentlemen of the district, with many of whom he was familiar;
and, greatly to their credit, the grand jury ignored the bill.
I believe that his influence and labours in relation to this
subject, were by no means fruitless ; improving sentiments
respecting it were diffusing themselves in the neighbourhood ;

jet:. 50.

MOUNT VERNON.

117

and in our public meetings for worship, at Cedar Creek, some
close practical remarks, which were fully understood as
applying to the evils of slavery, were listened to with great
attention." * * *

After holding a meeting at Fredericksburgh, a considerable
town, pleasantly situated on the Rappahannock, we took the
steamer the next morning on the river Potomac, and enjoyed
a delightful voyage of sixty miles, to the city of Washington.
The river is of a magnificent breadth, the banks generally
low and woody. Both the Virginia and Maryland shores,
as we were informed, had been once highly cultivated; but the
blight of slavery has now rendered them comparatively un-
productive. Shad and herring are caught in abundance in this
river ; the finest oysters are also found here ; and during the
cold of winter, its surface is sometimes half covered with thou-
sands of ducks. We saw considerable numbers of them, of a
black and white plumage.

On the south bank of the stream, not far from the city of
Alexandria, is Mount Vernon, a lofty wooded bluff, on which
stands the elegant but simple villa where Washington lived,
died, and was buried. We had no opportunity of visiting
this interesting spot ; but as we passed by it, we could not
but pay a cordial mental tribute to the genius, as well as
pohtical and private virtue of that extraordinary man. To
think of his having been both a soldier and a slave-holder,
was indeed a subject of deep regret. But we nevertheless
knew that he was a man of prayer, and his qualities of mind
were peculiarly calculated to obtain for him the warmest
affections of America, and the respect of the world. I was a
good deal interested afterwards in examining a copy of his
pecuniary accounts, in his capacity of commander in chief.
They were written in his own bold, clear hand, and displayed
an astonishing accuracy of detail. The union of this minute
care with the most comprehensive opinions and designs, con-
stitutes a singular feature in his character. He is generally
regarded as having been the most religious of the American
presidents.

The aspect of the city of Washington under the bright

118

WASIIIXGTON.

1838.

sunlight of a •winter afternoon, as we glided over the vast
sheet of water, (into which the river here dilates,) partook
rather largely of the sublime and beautiful. The Capitol,
which stands on a considerable elevation, and is built of
white stone, was the most conspicuous object in the scene.
It is the restoration of the building which the British
army so wantonly set on fire in the last American war ; and
might be considered exceedingly handsome, were it not for
its leaden, heavy dome, which is sadly out of proportion, and
mars the beauty of the edifice. We landed on the wharf at
nightfall on the 17th of the 1st month, 1838, and found very
comfortable accommodation at Brown's Hotel. There our
company was soon joined by some of our friends from Balti-
more and Philadelphia.

On the morning after our arrival we went up in good time
to the Capitol, and were introduced to several of the senators,
particularly to Colonel Preston, from South Carolina, a
gentleman of remarkable urbanity of manners, and endued
with what may be justly described as the silver tongue of
eloquence. I also enjoyed a short interview with Daniel
Webster. His forehead is of remarkable prominence and
breadth, his eye penetrating ; and the little which I heard of
his public speaking was strong, clear, and fluent. With
Henry Clay, of Kentucky, Ave conversed for some time in
private. He is the Brougham of America, as it relates to his
ready wit and powers of fervid declamatory argument ; but is
doubtless his inferior in literary and scientific attainment.
His figure is tall and slender, and there is an expression of
humour and benevolence in his countenance, which, in
connexion with his marked politeness, is very winning. He
expressed kind feelings and good principles on the subject of
slavery, as well as on that of the wrongs of the Aborigines.
But he complained bitterly of the abolition movement, and
was evidently, like other slave-holders, under the influence of
some very strong prejudices.

In the evening we spent a very agreeable hour with John
Quincy Adams, once the President of the United States ; and
almost the only anti-slavery advocate in congress, though, on

JET. 50.

WASHINGTON.

119

Several points, himself differing from the abolitionists. lie
is now an old man, yet full of mental vigour and animation,
and probably more fraught with learning and information
than any other man in America. He received us with great
kindness and cordiality. On a subsequent morning, at the
early hour of nine o'clock, we were introduced to Martin Van
Buren, the President, a gentleman of great affability and case
of manner, -with much acuteness, and I think, benevolence
also marked on his countenance. During our short inter-
view, the subjects of our conversation were the African slave-
trade, and the claims of the native Indian tribes ; on both
which topics he spoke with a good deal of firmness. It
was my endeavour to impress on the mind of the President,
the vast importance of the cordial co-operation of America
with the European powers, in the suppression of the slave
trade, on the perfectly reasonable principle of a mutual right
of search, a principle which surely ought not to offend the
pride of any one nation. But the Americans are a com-
munity of kings, every man his own ruler, and they shrink
from the very notion of indignity. Thus I fear they are but
too likely to persist in sacrificing the interests of humanity,
to what is falsely regarded as national honour.

The principal object which I now had in view, in visiting
Washington, was the holding of a meeting for worship with
the officers of government and members of congress. My
mind was attracted towards these public men, under a feeling
of religious interest ; and far beyond my expectation did my
way open for accomplishing the purpose. Colonel Polk, the
speaker of the representative assembly, granted me the use
of the legislative hall ; the chaplain of the house (a respect-
able Wesleyan minister) kindly surrendered his accustomed
service for our accommodation ; public invitation was given
in the newspapers ; and when we entered the hall, on the
following First day morning, we found it crowded with the
members of congress, their ladies, and many other persons.
The President and other officers of the government were
also of the company. It was to me a serious and critical
occasion. One of my friends sat down with me in the

120

MEETING IN THE LEGISLATIVE HALL.

1838.

speaker's rostrum ; a feeling of calmness "was graciously
bestoived upon us ; and a silent solemnity overspread the
whole meeting. After a time, my mind became deeply
impressed with the words of our blessed Redeemer, " I am
the way, the truth, and the life." Speaking from this text,
I was led to describe the main features of orthodox Christi-
anity ; to declare that these doctrines had been faithfully held
by the Society of Friends, from their first rise to the present
day ; to dwell on the evidences, both historical and internal,
which form the credentials of the gospel, considered as a
message to mankind from the King of heaven and earth ; to
urge the claims of that message on the world at large, «i
America in particular, a country so remarkably blessed by
Divine Providence, and, above all, on her statesmen and her
legislators ; to advise the devotional duties of the closet, as a
guard against the dangers and temptations of politics ; to
dwell on the peaceable government of Christ by his spirit ;
and finally to insist on the perfect law of righteousness, as
applying to nations, as well as individuals, to the whole of the
affairs of men, both private and public. A solemn silence
again prevailed at the close of the meeting ; and after it was
concluded, we received the warm greetings of Henry Clay,
John Quincy Adams, and many other members, of whom we
took our leave in the flowing of mutual kindness. Thus was
I set free from the heavy burden which had been pressing
upon me. In the evening we met a large assembly in the
Methodist Chapel, in George Town, a populous place almost
adjoining Washington ; and the next morning pursued our
journey forward to a small settlement of Friends, in the state
of Maryland.

In his Journal he writes : —

Baltimore, 1st mo., 25th. A drive of twenty-four miles,
over poor roads and a poor country, brought us hither. The
view of the Patapsco river, Chesapeake bay, and the city, as
we approached it, under the light of the bright evening sun,
was striking and beautiful. I have a truly comfortable home ;

JET. 50.

BALTIMORE ; PHILADELPHIA.

121

and we have been favoured with a very relieving meeting this
morning, half public ; many Ilicksites. I have ventured to
appoint two public meetings, and am about to engage in a
family visit to the interesting flock here. My way seems
remarkably made amongst them, to my humble admiration.

2nd mo., 2nd. My work has been arduous, and I hope is
now done. I have gone through the families, in much feeling
of poverty and humiliation ; upwards of sixty visits. Large
meeting of coloured people, on fourth day evening ; and,
yesterday, meetings at the jail and penitentiary.

From Baltimore Joseph John Gurney proceeded to
Philadelphia.

" The distance between the two cities," he observes, in one
of his letters, " is about one hundred miles ; and one circum-
stance on the journey is well calculated to interest a stranger.
It is the conspicuousness of the line (though without any
natural division) which separates the slave-wrought lands of
Maryland from the free territory of Pennsylvania. The sudden
transit from inferior to superior cultivation, and from impove-
rished soil to fertility, is extremely striking, especially at the
more advanced seasons of the year ; and certainly it speaks
volumes for the instruction of statesmen, in proof of the im-
policy of slavery. One can hardly imagine on what grounds
this perpetual visible evidence can be long resisted."

Joseph John Gurney continued in Philadelphia
and its neighbourhood upwards of three months.
The Society of Friends in that city is still a nu-
merous and influential body. Besides attending the
Quarterly and other meetings of Friends there, and
in some of the adjoining districts, as well as the
Yearty Meeting, in usual course, he was closely
engaged in paying religious visits to the families of
Friends in three out of the four " Monthly Meetings"

122

TRIALS AXD DIFFICULTIES.

1838.

into which the city is divided. A minister of the
gospel, more especially one engaged as he was,
must not expect to have a course free from difficulty.
Great is the trial, to the servant of Christ, of being
misunderstood and misinterpreted by those who sin-
cerely love, and desire to serve, the same blessed
Redeemer; but he may surely be consoled by the
reflection, that from age to age such has been the
portion of many faithful believers. This, in a re-
markable degree, was the case with the early Friends.
Their views were misunderstood and misinterpreted
by other professing Christians, and frequently were
the motives and course of action of the more emi-
nent amongst them not comprehended even by the
members of their own Society. Separated as the
human family is, by an almost endless variety of
disposition and circumstances, and very imperfectly,
if at all, acquainted with one another's motives,
impressions are often received of the conduct of
others, which further acquaintance and more ex-
act investigation prove to be wholly unfounded, or
greatly mistaken and exaggerated. It is possible
that some of the readers of these pages have already
discovered that their acquaintance with Joseph John
Gurney (and perhaps also with their own hearts)
wras at this time too imperfect to enable them to
form a just estimate of his character; and now,
perhaps, in the cool of the day, they may be, at
times, led to look back with some sadness at the
misconceptions which then, to a limited extent,
prevailed.*

"The dispensation, trying as it is," he writes, in

* See infra, eh. slvi.

,ET. 50. ENGAGEMENTS AT PHILADELPHIA.

123

one of his letters, in allusion to this subject, " has
been, as to myself, seasonable ; a wonderful defence
against undue exaltation ; bringing me, from time
to time, low and prostrate before the Lord. I
thank God for the wholesome discipline; and
earnestly do I desire and pray that not a single
unchristian feeling towards my opposers may enter
into my heart. With all their mistakes, I give
them credit for much sincere love to Christ."

The following are from his Journal of this
period : —

2nd mo., 4th. The Quarterly Meeting of ministers and
elders, yesterday morning, passed off quietly and well ; various
calls and interviews with Friends in the after part of the day.

A long one with my dear friend , kindly intended to

prepare me for conflict and impediment. I have felt it a good
deal during the night ; but I think my chief anxiety is, that
the Society and, above all, the cause of truth may not suffer ;
and I am mercifully favoured with precious quietness of mind
this morning. 0 Lord, I most earnestly and reverently
beseech thee, that, surrounded as I am by some opposing
influences and some share of perplexity, I may be enabled, by
thy grace, to keep a conscience void of offence in thy sight,
and in the sight of my fellow-men, avoiding even the appear-
ance of evil. 0 for a holy integrity and independence in the
truth, united with the wisdom of the serpent, the meekness of
the lamb, and the harmlessness of the dove !

Third day, [2nd mo., 6th.~\ Yesterday the Quarterly Meet-
ing ; a good time ; the ministry which fell to my lot was close
and searching ; but it is evident that I have a course of some
difficulty and tribulation before me. May I accept it with
all cheerfulness and submission ! To-day, at the Northern
Monthly Meeting, (dear Stephen Grellet present,) I laid
before Friends my concern to visit the families ; much unity,
but some little opposition appeared. This was over-ruled, and

124 LABOURS AT 1838.

I suppose that John Paul will commence the work with me
to-morrow morning. May the Lord graciously sustain me in
patient resignation !

Fifth day evening. We have passed through two days of
family visiting ; and I believe the gracious anointing oil, which
can alone qualify for the service, has not been withheld ; eight
visits yesterday as a beginning ; ten to-day.

First day night. We have again been favoured with a good
Sabbath. The meeting at Arch Street, in the afternoon,
satisfactory ; and a very large one there this evening ; a noble,
solemn assembly indeed. One would hope that the truly
searching work of this day must have done something towards
cpuelling opposition ; and I hope also towards the confirmation
of our faith, as Christians and as Friends. The Lord alone be
praised !

2nd mo., 16th. The public meeting at the North Meeting
House last third day evening, notwithstanding pouring rain,
was large, and very solemn and relieving. I was greatly
comforted by it, and ended the day in peace. Fourth day,
industrious family visiting ; drank tea at I. Lloyd's. Fifth
day, Woodbury Quarterly Meeting, over the Delaware, in
Jersey ; a good open time ; Friends very cordial. To-day,
filled again with family visits ; dear S. Grellet with us at
dinner ; Thomas Evans this evening ; both to my comfort ; so
that, through mercy, I retire to rest quiet and relieved in
mind.

2nd mo., 18M. Good series of visits yesterday ; drank tea
very agreeably at Ellis Yarnall's. A quiet mind is mercifully
bestowed this morning. Earnest are my breathings to the
Lord, that I may be preserved from uttering anything this
day in public, except under the "anointing;" and that in and
under this, I may be gifted with a holy boldness in the truth.
I humbly trust that ground has been gradually gained.

22nd. To-day, Philadelphia Monthly Meeting at Arch
Street. I laid my concern before Friends for visiting their
families, which was acceded to. Only one opposing voice.
Five family sittings since. I have felt much peace in having

I

JET. 50. PHILADELPHIA. 125

taken tins further step with Friends ; and it is evident that,
through mercy, my way is opening among them.

Second day evening, 3rd mo., 5th. [After attending the
Quarterly Meeting at Burlington.] The visit to Burlington
was an occasion of encouragement and comfort. It is delight-
ful to enlarge the boundaries of gospel fellowship. Rebecca
Grcllet, John Cox, Susan Smith and her children, Julia Clarke,
and Abigail Barker, with many others, were then added to my
list of Friends, known and loved. We returned as we came,
by the rail-car and ice-boat, on fourth day morning, and
pursued our family visits with quiet diligence during the
remainder of the week. Yesterday was a favoured day.
Something like the closing of the commission at the North
meeting in the morning ; a very searching time, but I trust
the power of the Lord accompanied the word. To-day, we
have been again quietly pursuing our visits. My mind,
through adorable mercy, is clothed with much peaceful quiet.
Can I be too thankful ?

3rd mo., 16th. Deep and close are the exercises of mind
which have fallen to my lot since the last entry. Seventh day
last, spent in calls, &c, was a very happy one ; sweet was the
flow of peace after the conclusion of the northern visits. First
day, one of much conflict and exercise ; opened my commission
at Arch street in the morning. At Orange street in the after-
noon, much in the cross ; a few faithful sentences respecting
not limiting the anointing either in ourselves or others. Very
large evening meeting, in which Christ, the Word of God, in
his several gracious ofEces, was largely preached.

The family visit in Arch street, with dear Thomas Steward-
son as a companion and elder, has hitherto sped well ; though
the work has been very humbling. Good meeting yesterday ;
my subject, "the practical fruits of true Christianity." On
the whole, I am thankful and cheered ; blessed be the name
of the Lord. Now for the deep and watchful indwelling in
Christ !

3rd mo., 25th. On fourth day I attended the Western
Monthly Meeting. Many Friends, not of the district, were
also there. It was a weighty time. I was much engaged in

126

LABOURS AT

1838

ministry. " There is a middle path which is the way of
safety; and there is a middle path which is the way to death."
My concern to visit the families was warmly united
with.

oOth. Seventh day noon. I am favoured to end my arduous
labours in Arch Street District in peace, with a good sitting
at Samuel Bottle's. The public meeting last night was very
searching and solemn.

4th mo., Brd. Arrived at my dear aged friend Thomas
Wistar's, at ten o'clock yesterday ; and we have spent two
days together in family visiting, (in the Western District,)
I hope and believe satisfactorily. Great watchfulness and
weightiness of spirit are surely required in this work !

First day evening, 8th. The meeting with the young people
this evening very large. I was led to unfold the doctrine and
discipline of the cross, as it applies both to worship and con-
duct. I never get on so comfortably in religious service, as
when I have no anticipation whatever in my own mind of its
nature. This pointing of previous exercise cannot, as I well
know, always be avoided ; yet it is much more consoling and
refreshing to my own spirit when the concern comes upon me,
as it did this morning, at the instant. I wish to be preserved
from anticipatory exercise as far as possible, and (to adopt an
old Friend's image) "go to meeting as a blank sheet."

4th mo., 16th. Since the last entry I have been favoured to
realize divine help, from day to day, through no small variety
and depth of exercise of mind. I have abundant cause for
gratitude in the retrospect of the Western family visit. A
large public meeting on sixth day evening, very relieving.
The Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders, on seventh day,
a time of close exercise of mind. I am very thankful for
close unity with such men as Stephen Grellet and John Cox.
And, under the difficulties and discouragements which still
remain, I desire to be very meek, quiet, patient, fearless in
the Lord. My mind is remarkably tranquil.

4th mo., 22nd. Great are thy mercies, 0 Lord ; my soul
desires to commemorate them with humble gratitude. The
week has been passed through wonderfully; and I,am at

jf,t. 50.

PHILADELPHIA.

127

case and peace, ready to praise my God and Saviour. The
first sitting of the Yearly Meeting was very trying, from the
manifestations of a hard, over-bearing spirit ; but, from that
time, truth and liberty began to arise and spread. The
several sittings were large — larger than known since the
llicksite separation, and increased towards the end. I was
twice engaged in solemn prayer ; and in the last sitting,
particularly, was somewhat enlarged in preaching. I also
clearly unfolded my views of American Slavery, and paid a
visit to the women's meeting, where there was evidently a very
open door for service.

\th mo., 29th. Since the last entry I have been chiefly at
Thomas Wistar's, engaged in finishing the Western family
visit ; also attending in succession the Northern, Western,
and Arch street Monthly Meetings, and delivering in the
reports of my visits. The elders who accompanied me bore
strong testimony in favour of them ; and the respective meet-
ings were times of great solemnity.

5th mo., 12th. On second day, [Philadelphia,] Quarterly
Meeting. In the evening, laid before the men-elders my
concern for a concluding young people's meeting ; all of them
there. I was much exercised in mind, during the hour and a
half which they occupied in discussing the proposition, fear-
ing lest I had involved myself and the cause in difficulty ;
but notwithstanding the strong opposition from a particular
quarter, it was decided that the meeting should be held.
This result afforded me great relief ; and I afterwards spent
a cheerful evening at Moses Brown's, with the Wistar family.
Third day, visit to the penitentiary, which is admirable ; good
•meeting in one corridor ; visit to the alms-house in the after-
noon ; good meeting there. Fourth day, to Germantown,
(Abington Select Quarterly Meeting,) which passed off pretty
well. Spent the afternoon at Deborah Logan's old mansion,
built by James Logan, William Pcnn's secretary. Public
meeting in the evening at Germantown, much crowded. Fifth
day, Abington Quarterly Meeting ; larger than I expected.
I was much engaged in the meeting for worship. In the
subsecpient meeting, leave to open the shutters (to unite men

128

PHILADELPHIA.

1838.

and women in a closing opportunity) was refused ; the first
instance of the actual obstruction of a religious service which
has ever occurred to me. I have desired that, in the humilia-
tion of self, it may operate beneficially. Sixth day, visit to
the president and directors of the bank of the United States ;
inspection of the mint. Two meetings at the Moyamensing
prison in the afternoon ; and in the evening, the farewell
meeting of young people ; very large, solemn, and relieving.
" We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and
ourselves your servants, for Jesus' sake." This morning,
breakfast with J. Vaughan, at the Philosophical Rooms ; met
Duponceau, the president, a lawyer and linguist of rare
attainments. Since, many calls ; and now I am once more at
B. Cooper's peaceful country residence, in a good degree of
peace and comfort. "Bless the Lord, 0 my soul !"

After describing a round of country meetings, in
which he was accompanied by his friend Israel W.
Morris, and in one or two of which he met with
some trial, he writes : —

5th mo., 21st. * * Where influential persons are watching
for one's halting, the life cannot arise in its fulness, unless the
Lord be pleased to put forth pre-eminent power. These are
rough things in my course, to which I am little accustomed.
I never met with the like before, but I have no doubt they
are permitted for good purposes ; and I feel thankful for the
humiliation thus allotted me. May I, through infinite mercy,
be clothed upon with the integrity, patience, meekness, and
quietness of Christ ! I have been enjoying a solitary wander
of an hour or more — 0 how deep the solitude of the fields and
woods ! — and was enabled to pour forth my heart in solemn,
fervent prayer for myself and for my children. Much internal
tranquillity is, through adorable mercy, my portion.

5th mo., 21th. We had an excellent Quarterly Meeting at
Concord, notwithstanding all discouragements ; and my visit
and services were recorded as satisfactory. Both Israel

JET. 50.

HOSPITALS, PRISONS, ETC.

129

Morris and I feel that the Lord has dealt very graciously with
us. I am on my rctui'n to Philadelphia, with the prospect of
leaving it to-morrow in peace.

Whilst in Philadelphia and its neighbourhood,
Joseph John Gurney took the opportunity of visit-
ing several of the hospitals, prisons, and other
public institutions. He was particularly interested
with the Eastern Penitentiary, in which he found
the separate system of prison discipline " admirably
conducted" under the care of Samuel Wood. In
his letters he also alludes with much pleasure to
his visits to the schools at West-town and Haver-
ford.

"The former is situated," to use his own words, "in a
healthy and picturesque part of Chester County. The land-
scape around it of woods, hills, valleys, and here and there a
little stream, is beautiful. Here about 230 of the children
of Friends, of both sexes, receive, under judicious care, a
guarded and religious education, on a somewhat higher scale
than in the public schools belonging to our body at Ackworth
and Croydon. The Holy Scriptures are daily read, and the
children instructed in their contents. I have every reason to
believe that the moral and religious influence of this institu-
tion is at once powerful and extensive. * * * *

"A drive of fifteen miles from West-town, across a
' rolling ' country of much picturesque beauty, brought us
to Haverford, where there has been lately established an
academy, or rather college, for the education of an older
and more opulent class of lads. Repeatedly, and always
with great pleasure, did I visit this institution. At this
time there were seventy boys and young men accommodated
in the house, which was built for the purpose, pursuing a
course of classical and scientific study, under well-qualified
teachers. Each of them is provided with a neat little

Vol. II.— 9

130

PHILADELPHIA.

1838.

chamber, in which may be found his Bible, a few other books
of his own selection, and the requisite articles of furniture.
This separate lodging I hold to be a most important provision"
for the moral and religious welfare of the young. There was
an appearance of order and sobriety to be observed in these
young persons, accompanied by an obvious infusion of
American independence, which pleased me greatly. In many
of the young people whom I saw in different parts of the
Union, after they had left this school, I was able clearly to
trace the effects of that Christian care, under which they had
been placed at Haverford. The beauties of nature are not
neglected. The house, which stands on an eminence, is in
the midst of a pleasure ground, laid out after the English
fashion. The boys had just been raising, among themselves
and their friends, a purse of 2000 dollars, which has since
been expended on an excellent conservatory. I look back on
my visits to both of these seminaries, with peculiar gratifi-
cation. Long may they flourish for the intellectual and
spiritual benefit of our young people !

"During my stay in Philadelphia," he elsewhere remarks,
" several circumstances transpired of a public nature, which
were by no means calculated to impress me favourably on
the subject of democratic institutions, though I am well
aware that those of America are not without their great
advantages.

" One of these was the want of public virtue manifested in
Congress, on the occasion of the fatal duel between Graves
and Cilley. These combatants fought with rifles, fired
repeatedly, and (as I was informed) drew ten paces nearer
to each other at each fire, until poor Cilley, the father of four
little children, fell and died. This murderous affair was
suffered to pass with impunity ; the murmurs in Congress
on the subject soon died away ; and the members attended
the funeral of Cilley, who was, of course, just as guilty as his
antagonist, with every mark of respect. It seemed to me
that this was partly the result of the general notion, that
every citizen of the state is left at almost unlimited liberty to
do as he pleases.

^t. 50.

PHILADELPHIA.

131

" Another circumstance which gave me a similar impression
was the combination of a large company, called the " Pre-
emption company," to deprive the Indians of the Seneca
nation, in New York, of their reserved lands ; and, under the
pretext of a false and surreptitious treaty with some of their
chiefs, to drive them into the western wilderness. Many
Friends in Philadelphia have long been zealously engaged in
the endeavour to stave off this act of unrighteousness, by
personal applications to the officers of state, and other in-
fluential persons at Washington ; but the corruption of mem-
bers, who were set upon seizing the property of their neighbours,
has prevailed over the simple dictates of justice, and thus this
shameless treaty has at length been ratified.

"A third circumstance was the change in the constitution of
Pennsylvania, which had at this time just been carried en
masse, by the votes of a majority of the people. The judicial
office was reduced, by this change, to a state of entire depen-
dence on the government and legislaturevof the day; and,
by the introduction of that single word, "white," the whole
coloured population, 40,000 in number, were at once deprived
of their citizenship. This affecting act of degradation was
received by the coloured people with deep sorrow. I was told
that a white boy was observed seizing the marbles of a coloured
boy in one of the streets, with the words, "you have no rights
now." The coloured boy submitted in silence.

" Shortly after my visit to Philadelphia, an event occurred
which corresponded in its nature and principle with the
circumstances already mentioned ; but was of a more frightful
and violent character. I mean the conflagration of the
Pennsylvania Hall, at the time of the anti-slavery convention,
after the assembly had been compelled to leave the room
by violent and abusive conduct. The work of destruction
was effected by an uncontrolled and uncontrollable assemblage
of the people, including many persons dressed like gentle-
men. True, indeed, it is, that no small provocatives to
popular fury were administered on the occasion by the
imprudence of some zealous individuals ; but nothing, of
course, could, in the least degree, justify this lawless attack,

132

NEW YORK.

1838.

not only on the personal safety, but on the undoubted civil
rights of a respectable part of the community. Nevertheless
this tremendous outrage was permitted to pass over with per-
fect impunity.* The ruins of the hall still present to the view
of the stranger a most significant memento, that there is no
tyranny so bad as that of a mob ; no government so dangerous
as that of a self-willed and licentious populace."

Joseph John Gurney left Philadelphia for New
York, on the 25th of the 5th month.

"The journey from Philadelphia, of about one hundred
miles," he writes, "was the easy occupation of a morn-
ing. The time of the Yearly Meeting for this state was
come; and Friends were collecting in considerable num-
bers, not only from the immediate vicinity of the city, but
from distant parts of the country ; and more than a few
from Canada. The followers of Elias Hicks are here the
more numerous body, and have taken possession of the large
old meeting houses belonging to Friends. Our own meeting
was composed of about 1000 persons, men and women, and
was very agreeably conducted, the members being much united
in their endeavours to maintain the cause of sound primitive
Christianity. * *

" There are two large buildings in New York which may
be hired for public meetings either of a philanthropic or
religious character. The Tabernacle, in Broadway, which is
large enough to contain 4000 people ; and an old theatre now
converted into a chapel, in Chatham street, which is said to
hold more than 3000. Meetings for worship were appointed
at my request, in each of these buildings successively.
These were attended by a multitude of Hicksites as well as
Friends and persons of other denominations, and I had reason
to believe that the doctrines of Christianity, as plainly
unfolded in the New Testament, were then listened to with
attention and good will, by many who had been accustomed
to neglect or oppose them. I have no doubt that religion,
under various administrations, is bearing with great force
* The County subsequently paid for all damages done by the mob.

jet. 50.

NEW ENGLAND.

133

on the stirring and intelligent population of this great
city. * * * *

To recur to his Journal : —

Sixth day ; 6th mo., 8th. Last second day morning early,
started by steamboat for a voyage up the Hudson for Albany,
the seat of the state legislature ; the weather fine, the scenery
novel and delightful. I greatly enjoyed it, and took several
sketches ; arrived at Dr. Sprague's in the evening, and met a
cordial reception. Third day, spent with him at Albany,
much to my satisfaction ; the day ended with a good public
meeting, in which the ever blessed truth was freely pro-
claimed. Fourth day, returned to New York ; a wet stormy
day ; spent the evening at Henry Hinsdale's. We took boat
on fifth day evening, (H. Hinsdale and myself, with Richard
Mott and many other Friends,) for Newport, in Rhode Island,
a voyage of 200 miles up Long Island sound, round Point
Judith, &c. We were favoured with a fine voyage, and
reached Mary Williams's comfortable boarding house this
morning, at an early hour before breakfast. The sunny fresh
morning, the bays of the sea, the harbour, the billows in
which I have been bathing, a drive with Charles Jenkins in
his chaise, have all been very pleasant, and my mind has been
much clothed with quietness and peace.

After attending, at Newport, the Yearly Meeting
of Friends in New England, he writes : —

6th mo., 16th. I look back on the week, now drawing to
its close, with a degree of humble gratitude. There have
been times when I could indeed say, " I am desolate and
afllicted," but the spring of divine love and power has arisen
from season to season ; and the glorious truth has been in
good dominion during the course of the Yearly Meeting, and
at its close yesterday morning. There seems a good work
going on among the young people in these parts ; many of
them are interesting and intelligent.

134

judge story; dr. ciianning.

1838.

" At Newport," he observes in one of his letters, " I had the
opportunity of making the acquaintance of Judge Story, who
was presiding over the circuit court of the United States, then
in session at that place. I called upon him at his lodgings,
and was received witli that easy urbanity which distinguishes
the public men of America. His manners and appearance
are remarkably lively, his conversation fluent, his information
varied and extensive, and his legal lore almost unrivalled on
this side the Atlantic. He invited me to take a seat by him
on the bench; but although my stay did not allow of my
accepting his offer, the short time which I spent in his court,
afforded me an evidence of his good sense and acuteness in
his capacity of a judge. He was then engaged in trying a
case of mutiny, which had occurred among the seamen of an
American merchantman. We could not wait the issue of the
trial."

The journey from Newport to Providence, by a
somewhat circuitous route, occupied about a week.

"On our way," he writes, "We called upon another cele-
brated citizen of New England, Dr. Channing, who resides
during the summer months in a sequestered villa, on the
island of Rhode Island. The place is embosomed in trees,
and the garden is carefully laid out in green walks and flower
beds like those of England.

" He is a man of slender frame and small stature ; his
countenance as completely intellectual as any I know. His
manners, in the first instance, appeared to me to be reserved,
but he soon became free and animated, when we conversed on
the subject of slavery. Every one knows that his pen is dis-
tinguished for felicitous vigour. His expressive portraits of
John Milton and Napoleon Bonaparte are well known in
England ; and his useful little work on the internal evidences
of Christianity, might lead one to suppose that the leaning of
his mind is in favour of evangelical truth. His pamphlets on
slavery, on the annexation of Texas to the Union, and now
lastly, on emancipation, are full of just sentiments, expressed

MH. 50.

NEW ENGLAND.

135

in a lively, pointed, and spirited style. Most heartily do I
desire that he may at last find his rest in the fulness which
is in Christ."

Providence, 6t7t mo., 25th. The round of meetings allotted
for last week has been well got through. It was an interest-
ing journey, and through an interesting country. The meet-
ing at Providence crowned the whole, so that I have much
cause for reverent gratitude; and further letters from my
dearest children, up to the 30th of 5th mo., are decidedly
comforting. We were favoured with help from the sanctuary
yesterday, both in our morning meeting, and in a very large
public one in the Baptist House in the evening ; in which the
Evidences of Christianity and the Divinity of our Saviour
were much before me. It was one of the most favoured
public meetings which I have held in America ; Dr. "Wayland,
the President of the College, the professors, clergy, &c, were
there. My writings arc popular among them, and I appear
to be personally so ; but the Lord is laying me low, even in
the dust. I am about to hold a meeting with the students
this evening, and have appointed a third public meeting for
to-morrow. May I be graciously helped with that outpouring
of the Lord's anointing, to which I bear such frecpient testimony,
and which such occasions so peculiarly require.

Neiv Bedford, 1th mo., 1st. The meeting with the students
at the college, after a tea visit at Dr. Wayland's, ended well.
It was given to me to lead them to the internal evidence and
practical bearing of Christianity. I was afterwards informed,
that a considerable impression was made on them. On third
,day, a precious visit to John and Elizabeth Mcadcr, in the
country ; afterwards a truly baptizing meeting at Providence
institution — the Friends' boarding school, which is admirably
planted, but lacks more pupils. I returned thither in the
afternoon, for a talk with the children, and established the
Ackworth plan of scripture instruction. In the evening,
another large public meeting at the Baptist House, which was,

136 NEW ENGLAND. 1838.

to my own feelings, inexpressibly solemn. The president,
professors, &c, united -with many Friends in a party at
William Jenkins' the next evening ; when, in the course of
conversation, to which the party listened with lively attention,
I was enabled to unfold the doctrine of the anointing ; we
afterwards read a Psalm, and Anna Jenkins prayed.

Sixth day. A touching parting sitting witk the Jenkins'
family, at the late William Almy's mansion, and a truly
solemn parting meeting with Friends, at eleven o'clock. Dr.
"Wayland, and many others not of our Society, present. A
quiet steamboat voyage of thirty miles refreshed me a
good deal in the afternoon, and brought me to Fall River, in
time for a public meeting, which was well attended, but
rather overwhelming to my own spirit.

• Yesterday, seventh day ; I called on a few families ; held
two good meetings at Newtown ; and arrived at my very
pleasant home (George Rowland's) at New Bedford, last even-
ing. Here peace has been spread over me, a most acceptable
and timely " token for good."

Nantucket, 7th mo., 4th. Somewhat strange is the feeling
of being on this island so often heard and read of, so entirely
out of the way of my own things and people. Yesterday,
we were favoured with a safe and agreeable voyage by
steamer, to this place. Friends are still numerous here.
Some interesting calls last evening, and a bird's-eye view
of the town and island from a church steeple ; the
weather of the hottest. My mind has been mercifully
favoured with tranquillity, though I do not feel matters to be
altogether smooth or flowing. " The Lord is my light and
my salvation, whom shall I fear?"

7th mo., 7th. On fourth day, meeting for ministers and
elders at Nantucket, some painful exercise in consequence of
the state of things. The Quarterly Meeting large and interest-
ing. R. Mott's ministry a great enjoyment to me, lively
and Christian indeed ! In the evening a large public meeting,
and so relieving, that I was set quite at liberty (in tender
mercy) for returning, yesterday morning, to New Bedford, by
steamboat. We were favoured with a fine voyage. A

JET. 50.

NEW ENGLAND.

137

precious concluding opportunity with R. Mott, at John
Rowland's last evening.

Joseph John Gurney continued for several weeks
to be engaged in a course of religious labour in
the state of Massachusetts. In allusion to the
various opinions prevalent in New England, he
remarks : —

The Unitarians chiefly consist of the more refined and
educated classes. They appeared to me to form in Massachu-
setts an aristocratic caste, quite as much as a religious sect ;
as if it were inconsistent with the claims of polished intellect,
and especially with the functions of public life, (to which
many of them are devoted,) to be trammelled by what they
regard as the superstitions of orthodoxy. As to Universalism,
it may be described as a sort of heretical Methodism, in
which an appeal is made, with no small measure of success,
to a less cultivated part of the community. I have reason to
believe that many low free-thinkers are embraced in this sect ;
and I fear that the leading tenet on which they are accus-
tomed to dwell is spreading among the people. It is that the
doctrine of eternal punishment forms no part of Christianity ;
that good and bad will all be ultimately saved. Thus the
scriptural view of human responsibility is dangerously under-
mined, and the foundation of Christian morals shaken.
Amongst too many the very notion of retributive justice in a
world to come seems to be discarded, and the evil passions of
human nature are let loose in proportion. The diffusion of
this line of sentiment is one of the worst features of the pre-
sent state of society in New England.

On some other topics also there has arisen, of late years, an
uncontrolled wildness of sentiment, which, were it to prevail,
would soon be found to be utterly inconsistent with the fun-
damental principles of civil, social, and domestic order.
When male and female itinerant lecturers are heard declaring
that women have, in all respects, the same civil and political

133

NEW ENGLAND.

1838.

rights and duties as the stronger sex — that no resistance
ought to be made, even by peaceable legal proceedings, to the
violence of the thief or the murderer — that no allegiance is due
from the Christian to any civil government whatsoever — that
children are at liberty to follow their own courses, and that
it is unlawful for a parent to punish them — that wives and
husbands may lawfully separate, when they are weary of each
other's society — and that the agrarian law of olden times
ought now to remodel the whole affair of property, — when all
these anomalous ideas are let loose, each in its turn, on an
imaginative public, one cannot but tremble in the view of the
consequences. One is brought home more than ever to the
conclusion, that " it is not in man that walketh to direct his
steps:" that, unless he comes under the restraining influence
of Christian principle, the imaginations of his heart will be
only evil continually in the sight of God. * * *

In the houses which I visited in New England, I seldom
m*et with any kind of fermented licpuor ; and it was evident
that the practice of abstaining from all such beverages was
increasingly prevalent throughout the more thoughtful part of
the community. The air in those regions is so stimulating,
that I found little difficulty in falling into the general prac-
tice ; and cordially did I rejoice in the temperate habits which
distinguish so large a proportion of the rising generation in
America. But I confess I had no pleasure in observing the
social cup of tea or coffee exchanged for the glass of cold
water ; and I was really grieved when I saw fine young people,
of both sexes, undermining their constitutions, (as I believe,)
by resolutely restricting their diet to vegetables. It seems to
be one of the favourite devices of the great adversary of
mankind, to accompany every virtue with its shadow in cari-
cature, for the purpose, I suppose, of turning the virtue itself
into ridicule, and of thus diminishing its legitimate influence.

Lynn, Massachusetts, 1th mo., 15th. [After noticing
meetings at several places.] Yesterday an interesting journey
to this place ; stopped for a few hours at Boston, of which we
had a magnificent view from the top of the state house.

JET. 50.

NEW ENGLAND.

139

Another week's labour has been, through great mercy, com-
fortably accomplished. I trust my mind is grateful to the
bountiful Author of all good, and especially for that measure
of precious and holy quietness which is my portion this morn-
ing. 0 may the Lord condescend to permit its continuance !

Fourth day morning, 18th. I found myself bound to a
family visit, [to Friends of Lynn and Salem,] and proposed
it to Friends yesterday morning. It met with unanimous
concurrence, and we have made a good beginning. Henry
Hinsdale my acceptable companion in the work.

Salem, fifth day afternoon, 1th mo., 26th. I hope that, so
far, the week has brought some blessings in its course. The
family visiting continued satisfactorily on second and third
days ; and on third day evening we collected a numerous
assemblage of young people and others, to whom I related
anecdotes, leading them to the principles of Friends. It was a
refreshing evening. Yesterday, the usual meeting for worship
was public, and attended by Friends in a large body. It was
a closely exercising, but open time ; and I had to unfold the
character and the danger of the divers and strange doctrines,
religious, moral, and civil, which are afloat in America in the
present day. I believe considerable impression was made.

7th mo., 30th. Yesterday, public meetings ; here in the
morning, and at Boston in the evening ; the latter peculiarly
exercising and fatiguing ; but I am mercifully favoured with
peace and quietness this morning, and have comfortable letters
from home.

The following are some of his reflections on
completing his fiftieth year: —

Amherst, New Hampshire, 8th mo., 2nd. H. Hinsdale and
Samuel Boyce are with me on my way to Weare ; and we are
stopping at this sweet village for a public meeting this evening.
I deeply feel the completion of my half century, only nine
years younger than my loved father was when he died. Deep
and numerous causes have I of humiliation in looking back
on my past life. Satan has done much to perplex, grieve,

140

COMPLETION OF HIS FIFTIETH YEAR.

1838.

and buffet me ; and sore, beyond expression, have been the
tribulations at times appointed ; but the Lord has assuredly
been very graciously with me, and has abundantly helped me
by his good Spirit. I have been twenty-one years engaged
in the ministry of the gospel, and all my works have been
written within the last twenty years. I am permitted to look
back on these labours of love with a considerable degree of
satisfaction and peace ; and I " trust T have a good con-
science," as to not having intentionally baulked the cause of
truth at any time, by not faithfully witnessing for Christ.
The very perplexing transactions at Manchester, in regard to
the Beacon, often bring me into thoughtfulness ; but sure I
am, that I did not knowingly let down the precious cause of
truth at that time, on either side. I am aware that the
seceders say and think hard things of me, but I could not
sacrifice the doctrine of the immediate and perceptible
guidance of the Spirit, as I think they have done, practically.
That precious doctrine has since been abundantly confirmed
to my feelings and experience ; and truly in this land it has
been my constant refuge. It is my quietly settled, and
deliberate desire and intention, to devote the remainder of my
days, be it shorter or longer, to the service of my holy and
ever-blessed Redeemer ; fixing my eye singly on him, without
undue reference, in any direction, to my fellow-men.

The present separation from my son and daughter, so deeply,
so truly loved, is a trial of faith and patience, such as has never
before fallen to my lot. But my mind is at this time quiet, in
the believing hope that they and their pilgrim father will be
preserved, and that this trial will have a happy issue.

Thus the termination of my fiftieth year finds me calm, quiet
in spirit, though in no small degree broken before the Lord.
Notwithstanding the deep infirmities to which I am liable, I
believe it is not too much to say, that through infinite mercy,
I feel a peaceful assurance that the Lord will preserve me,
give me the victory over all my spiritual enemies, guide me
with his counsel, and afterwards receive me, yes, even me, to
glory ! Be it so, most gracious God and Father, I humbly
entreat thee for Jesus Christ's sake.

^t. 50-51.

ANDOVER.

141

CHAPTER XXXII.

1838. 2et. 51.

visit to the seminary at andover; conversation with moses
stuart; anti-slavery; yale college ; professor silliman ;

JOURNEY TO CANADA; CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EARL OF
DURHAM; ENGAGEMENTS IN LOWER CANADA; RETURN TO BALTI-
MORE YEARLY MEETING; VISIT TO FRIENDS AT NEW YORK;
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND JOURNAL.

On his way to Amherst, Joseph John Gurney paid
a visit to the well-known Theological Seminary at
Andover, where he enjoyed a few; hours' conversation
with the late Moses Stuart, some particulars of which
he has preserved in the following letter :

TO HIS SISTER CATHERINE GURNEY.

Amherst, New Hampshire, 8th mo., 2nd, 1S38.

My dearest Catherine,

One sometimes arrives at a deep pause in life,
as if its pulse stood still ; and this is my experience this
afternoon, at a neat country village, where I am stayed in my
course, for a few hours, in order to hold a public meeting. It
is an afternoon of bright sunshine without, (and sunshine in
this country is doubly bright, from the transparency of the
atmosphere,) and of solemn gravity within ; not without a
touch of happiness, on the accomplishment, this day, of half
a century spent in this vale of tears. * * *

My last letter was forwarded on second day from Salem, a

142

ANDOVER

1838.

large town on the sea-coast of Massachusetts. I completed
my family visit there on third day, and concluded with two
successive meetings in the evening ; the first, a familiar one
in a Friend's house, with the young people, to whom I related
anecdotes of our sister Fry, Wilberforce, Legh Richmond, and
Daniel Wheeler, by way of illustrating the important con-
sequences of individual conversion to God. Afterwards a
public meeting was held, attended by a large and miscellaneous
assembly, including the ministers of the various sects, and
the intelligent aristocracy of the city. It was one of those
wortli-ivhile meetings, which repay for a great deal of mental
conflict. A full development of truth, addressed to both head
and heart, was peculiarly wanted in the place, and was listened
to with profound attention. The silence at the close of the
meeting was remarkable. On fourth day morning I enjoyed
a farewell swim in the sea-water, and afterwards visited the
Museum, which contains a celebrated collection of East India
and other tropical rarities, contributed by the merchants and
sailors of the place ; no person being admitted a member of
the institution who has' not sailed round the Cape of Good
Hope, or Cape Horn. Warm affection had been excited
towards me among the Friends of the place, some of whom
are very pleasing and interesting, especially the Chase family,
who had provided most kindly for my every want. Thus our
parting was a good deal felt when I went off to Andover, the
seat of a theological seminary, open to all Protestants. Here
the celebrated professor, Moses Stuart, (who re-published my
book on the Sabbath, with a preface and notes,) has for many
years carried on his almost unrivalled Biblical researches. He is
a man of sixty or upwards ; of singular cordiality and simplicity
of manners ; and pours out his information in a most agree-
able way. I held a meeting in the evening with the president,
Dr. Edwards, the professors, and upwards of one hundred
young men. It was to my feelings an unusually critical
occasion ; the discourse into which I found myself led being a
mixture of science, literature, and religion ; the subordination
of the two former to the last being the subject before me. I
was mercifully helped through the service, and the meeting

jet. 50-51.

MOSES STUART.

143

ended in a very refreshing and impressive silence. Visits to
the colleges or universities of America form an interesting
part of my present engagement, and I had a decided view to
them before I left England. I have now held meetings in
three of them, and hope to find my way, in due season, to
several others. With the single exception of Cambridge, near
Boston, which is under Unitarian sway, they may he regarded
as Christian and religious institutions. I had heard of neology
in them before I came ; but have not, as yet, found any trace
of it. Nearly every tenth man educated at Andover becomes
a missionary to the heathen.

I must now try to give some account of Moses Stuart's
conversation, which I consider to be worth preserving, as a part
of my journal. We were sitting together under the shade of
some fine elms, in front of our hotel, he being a person with
whom one feels immediately at ease. Knowing him to be deeply
versed in German theological literature, I asked him whether
neology was on the increase or decrease in Germany.

" Decidedly decreasing ; and it is a curious circumstance,
that the profound researches of their infidel critics have led to
the development of many facts which confirm the evidences of
the Divine authority of Scripture, and illustrate and establish
an orthodox interpretation of its contents. Many valuable
commentaries have lately been published by the industrious
and learned Germans, which throw great light on Scripture,
and in the right direction. To be sure, the Germans are
prone to take an occasional flight into the air ; and this is the
case even with the soundest of their theologians. They plod
through the mud with intense diligence ; and then by way of
change, give wings to imaginative speculations. Their novels
are the Arabian Nights' tales renewed, and their theology
partakes of the same romance. The sternest fagging is a
joyous thing with them. One of their great scholars, who,
after the labour of twenty years, has produced the best of
Greek Lexicons, observes at the end of his work, that he
might be expected then to recur to the intense labours which
he had undergone, the unrivalled tax on his patience, &c. ;
but all he could say with truth was, that while he was engaged

144

ANDOVER.

1838.

in the composition of his Lexicon, he had been swimming for
twenty years in an ocean of pleasure."

What dost thou think of Kuinoel and Rosenmuller's Com-
mentaries on the New Testament, as books to be used by
young men ?

" Young men require the judicious care of a good tutor in
the use of these books, although, as you know, the writers are
essentially orthodox ; but in giving instruction to my theo-
logical students, I make use of no reserves. I freely inform
them of any neological objections to Scripture, and explain to
them how they are met."

Dost thou not find that the sceptical doubt sometimes lays
hold of the mind, instead of the answer to it ?

" I find about one student in fifteen, who has five doubts to
one reason ; but on the whole, my method answers well. I
am careful to do no harm."

What is thy opinion of Neander's Church History ?

" He is a great writer ; but not always perfectly sound in
his views ! for example, he denies the validity of the Christian
Sabbath. He unfolds his subjects with great exactness; my
students call him, in joke, Dr. Entwickelung, Dr. develop-
ment."

Is Hebrew much studied in America ?

" All the students at Andover study both the Hebrew Bible
and the Greek Testament as a matter of course. As an
evidence of the general attention paid to Hebrew by theo-
logical students in America, my Hebrew Grammar has gone
through six editions. I have lately been engaged in a
controversy with Dr. Norton, a Unitarian divine, who has
published a very excellent book on the four Gospels, but
pretends that the Gospel of Matthew was originally written
in Hebrew, and that our 'Greek copy is only a translation.
I consider this notion to be disproved by the Peshito Syriac
version, the date of which may now be regarded as ascertained
to be somewhat before the middle of the second century. I
have lately compared it, word by word, with the Greek of the
Gospel of Matthew ; and the correspondence, even with
respect to the smallest particles, is so perfect, as to afford a

jet. 50-51.

MOSES STUART.

145

demonstration that it was the Greek, as we now have it, and
not any supposed Hebrew copy, from which the translation
was made. It was therefore the Greek, and not the Hebrew
Matthew that was current in those primitive times."

What part of Scripture is now occupying thy attention ?

" I am now lecturing on the Apocalypse ; and, at the
earnest request of my pupils, am intending to publish a work on
the criticism of that book. The book interests and delights
me more than I can express. Not that I have any taste for

speculations on unfulfilled prophecy. was here some

time since, giving proofs, as he called them, from the Hebrew
Scriptures, that the Jews would return in a body to re-possess
the land of Canaan, and that Christ would come to reign over
them in person, in the year 1860. Nothing could be more
puerile and inconclusive than his arguments. I see nothing in
Scripture to warrant the opinion that our Saviour will come
again to reign personally upon the earth."

That surely is a Jewish notion?

"Yes, indeed it is. With respect to the Revelation, it has
been said, by persons who wish to disparage its claims to
authenticity, that there are no books of that peculiar style
which belong to the first century. The more I have
examined this point, the more I have discovered the fallacy
of the assertion. The Book of Enoch, the Epistle of Barna-
bas, the Shepherd of Hermas, the Vision of Isaiah, with
many others, are all of the same class in point of style and
construction, and were all written in the first century ; and
yet they fall immeasurably below the Revelation in point of
weight and excellence. There is nothing, in my opinion, that
more clearly evinces the apostolic origin of the four Gospels,
than the comparison of those Avritings with the spurious
Gospels which followed them. So nothing can more clearly
establish the authenticity and scriptural character of the
Revelation, than a comparison of its contents with those of
the unspeakably inferior productions of the same kind, which
were circulated even in the first century. The apostolic date
of the book is capable of being proved beyond the shadow of

Vol. II. — 10

14G

ANDOVER.

1838.

a doubt. The only question which can fairly be raised
respecting it, is whether it was composed by John the apostle,
or by some other John ; but for my part, I have no idea that
there was any John in the first century, except the apostle,
who could have addressed the seven churches of Asia, as they
are addressed in the Apocalypse."

Art thou acquainted with Dr. Mode's work on the Revelation ?

" I have him by me ; but I consider Mede, and id genus
omne, essentially mistaken in the plan of their exegesis.
They attempt to explain every successive conflict described in
the book, as relating to some particular event in history ; but
I consider these descriptions generic ; a succession of pictures,
intended to represent that one great conflict between Christ
and his enemies, which will finally result in the absolute
triumph of the religion of Jesus. As a key to the exegesis of
Revelation, I refer my students to the 18th Psalm, which
David wrote in his old age, in commemoration of all his
victories and deliverances. He probably won 100 battles.
A tyro in sacred literature might interpret the lively picture
presented to us in the Psalm, to be the representation of some
particular battle, and might so interpret it ; but the picture is
generic, and equally relates to the 99 others. The
Apocalypse was written for the encouragement of the martyrs,
and doubtless during some noted persecution. I believe
during the persecution of Nero, which was before the siege of
Jerusalem. The whole tendency of the book is to arm their
courage, confirm their patience, and animate their hopes. It
cheers them with a description of the happiness of their
associates, who had already bled in the cause, and with a
promise of a part in the first resurrection ; and brings to view
the final victory of their religion over the two great perse-
crating powers — the Jews, described under the name of spiritual
Sodom — and the Romans, under that of Babylon."

Then has Babylon, after all, nothing to do with Popery ?

"Yes, I think it includes Papal Rome, and her persecutors."

Is your theological seminary well endowed?

"It has been endowed by individuals to the extent of
400,000 dollars ; but such institutions are springing up in

JBT. 51.

MOSES STUART.

147

other parts of the Union, and its operations are now confined
chiefly to Massachusetts. We have sometimes 140 students."

Thou art a Congregationalist, I think ; or, as we say in
England, an Independent ?

"Yes, but we have more of a regular church government
than the Independents in England. We also send a deputy
to represent us in the Synod of the Presbyterians, but merely
as an act of brotherhood."

Now, Professor, the carriage waits, I must leave thee.

"Well," said he, shaking hands warmly, "you know there
is but one Lord, one faith, one baptism." The baptism of the
Holy Ghost, I replied. "Yes, to be sure," he added, "I do
not think much of any other;" and so we parted, in much
love.

Having pursued his journey from Amherst, by
way of Weare, to Concord, the capital of New
Hampshire, where, besides holding a meeting for
worship, he had an interview with the prisoners
in the State Penitentiary, Joseph John Gurney
returned into Massachusetts, holding large meetings
on his way at the "busy manufacturing towns" of
Nashua and Lowell, both on the Merrimac. In
allusion to the Monthly Meeting of Friends at
Lynn, which he subsequently attended, he writes
in one of his letters: —

A lively discussion arose on a question by which the
Friends of New England have been a good deal agitated,
whether it was desirable that the members of our religious
Society, and especially the young people, should join the
public anti-slavery associations of the day, or whether it was
not preferable that Friends should pursue their own course of
duty, in promoting the abolition of slavery, in their select
capacity, as a distinct religious body. Several individuals
eagerly advocated a union with the public associations, but

148

NEW ENGLAND.

1838.

the generality were in favour of the more prudential line of
conduct in this respect. Stranger as I was, I took no part in.
the discussion, with which it did not appear to be my province
to intermeddle ; hut I plainly saw that it was one of con-
siderable difficulty and perplexity. On the one hand, I was
fully prepared to admit the rectitude of the general principle
of the union of Christians of all denominations in the pursuit
of philanthropic objects which compromise the principles of
none of them. On the other hand, it was impossible for me
not to perceive that the public movement in this cause in New
England, was intermingled with collateral points and circum-
stances dangerous to the character of the Christian and the
Friend. I believed, therefore, that it was my duty to call
upon all present, to seek after that depth and maturity of
religious experience, and that humility, meekness, and for-
bearance, in which alone our most interesting concerns,
whether public or private, can be rightly conducted. I also
expressed on this, and on many other occasions, a heartfelt
solicitude that the difficulties which impeded the union of
many Friends in the public abolition movement, might not
lead them into any coolness or indifference of feeling, on a
subject respecting which the Society had so long borne a
conspicuous Christian testimony ; and that all might be
watchful to perform their religious duty in reference to this
vital topic ; and move forward in the cause of justice and
mercy, as the Lord and giver of truth might be pleased to
guide them and open their way.

From Lynn Joseph John Gurney proceeded to
Newhaven, in Connecticut ; his principal object being
a visit to the students of the University in that
place. This University, the largest in America,
was founded in the year 1700, and has long main-
tained a high reputation. On his way he passed
through Worcester in Massachusetts, where the
Lunatic Asylum especially attracted his notice; an
institution, he says, " in every way creditable to that

JET. 51. YALE college; professor silliman.

149

State." It was night, at the close of the week when
he and his companion arrived at New Haven, 8th
ino., 11th.

" Late as was the hour," he writes, " I called at the house of
Dr. Jeremiah Day, the president of Yale College, with a letter
of introduction from the professor of Theology at Andover.
The president had retired to rest, and his lady requested me,
if I wished to make an arrangement with him, to call the next
morning before the college* prayers, which are at half-past
five. Such are the early hours of the presidents and students
of American colleges. Accordingly, at the appointed time I
presented myself to the president in his college rooms, and
told him of my wish to hold a meeting with the students in
the evening. He is an elderly gentleman of pleasing appear-
ance and grave manners. I remembered that Connecticut had
long been celebrated for a greater degree of puritanical strict-
ness, than any other state of the Union, and did not feel sure
that the application was the more acceptable for coming from
a minister of the Society of Friends. The Doctor, however,
after a little consideration, allowed the meeting to be appointed,
and proposed that it should be held in the ' theological
chamber,' at eight o'clock in the evening. In the mean time
we were closely engaged during the day ; our own meeting being
held in the morning with a few friends who met us from New
York, in one of the chambers of the hotel, and the public
being convened, at our request, at the Methodist meeting-
house in the afternoon. In the course of the day we called
on Professor Silliman, whose assistance we needed, with respect
to some of our arrangements for the evening. He lives in a
beautiful spot on the outskirts of the city, where he received
us with great cordiality. He holds the first position amongst
the men of science in America, and has all the appearance
of strong sense and ready talent. I thought he would
class well with the Jamiesons, Whewells, and Sedgwicks of
Great Britain. He is greatly beloved and respected by the
students, and happily unites the two characters of the philoso-
pher and the Christian.

150

NEW ENGLAND.

1838.

" At the appointed hour we repaired, not without feelings of
fear and diffidence, to the theological chamber at the college,
which was soon nearly filled with young men who came
flocking to the meeting. Their respectahle president joined
our company, which soon gathered into silence, and we were
favoured with a time of great solemnity and refreshment.
We were reminded of our Saviour's words, ' One thing is
needful.' To lay hold of that one thing, to hecome possessed
of the pearl of greatest price, seemed to he the desire of most,
if not all present. At the conclusion of the meeting the
students overflowed with kind feelings towards us ; and if the
president had appeared somewhat reserved in the morning, he
did not now hesitate to express his cordial good will. His
government of the college, which contains upwards of 400
students, is said to be distinguished for ability and prudence,
and he is greatly respected by the young community under
his care."

Being desirous, if possible, of visiting Canada,
taking the states of New Hampshire and Maine on
the way, before the Yearly Meeting at Baltimore in
the 11th month, Joseph John Gurney's stay in
Connecticut was verv short.

Seventh day, 8th mo., 18th. [Last second day our] journey
began at three o'clock in the morning, from New Haven to
Northampton ; call on Lydia Sigourney ; delightful drive by
the Connecticut river ; kind reception from Judge Dewey, at
Northampton ; lodged at his house. Next day, (third day)
very interesting visit to Professor Hitchcock, and to the young
men of Amherst college ; and a pretty large public meeting
at Northampton. Fourth day. Long journey by stage,
railroad, &c, to Lynn, Massachusetts. Fifth day. Large
and interesting Quarterly Meeting, in which I was much
engaged on the true nature of charity. Yesterday we were
employed, successfully I hope, for the prevention of discord ;
and, in the evening, we held a peaceful public meeting at

JET. 51.

JOURNEY TO CANADA.

151

Nahant. We left Lynn before breakfast, for Salem, where we
were favoured with a good religious opportunity with the
Chase family circle, and others. My arduous service in those
parts is now concluded, and I am permitted to enjoy the
tranquil feeling of unclouded peace. What a rich and
undeserved mercy !

I have now a long and varied journey before me, and
scarcely know whither I may be led. I feel the deep obscurity
of the future, but am in some degree enabled to lie quietly in
the arms of infinite wisdom, strength, and mercy.

After various engagements in New Hampshire
and Maine, Joseph John Gurney set out from
Augusta, in the latter state, on his way towards
Canada, on the 22nd of the ninth month.

Our route, (says he, in one of his letters,) lay by the side
of the beautiful Kcnnebeck, and the first day's journey was of
fifty miles, to a picturesque village called Anson. Here the
stage rested for the Sabbath — a circumstance very agreeable
to ourselves, and an example which might be followed with
great advantage in our own country. To us it was a day of
peace and quietness. Several Friends came from a great
distance to sit down with us in our morning worship. In the
afternoon the public were assembled, and some romantic
rocks over a tumbling stream afforded me, in the interim, a
grateful opportunity for solitary reflection. At so great a
distance from my home, and now about to enter on a new
region, and on fresh scenes of interest and duty, I could not
'but feel my situation very seriously; and it was delightful to
remember that no distance or difference of circumstance can
divide the love and fellowship of those who are endeavouring,
however weakly, to serve the Lord.

Having arrived at Quebec, he writes : —

9th mo., 29th. The journey, from Anson to this place, was
one which I shall not soon forget ; some difficulties in it ; but

152

CANADA; CORRESPONDENCE WITH

1838.

all well surmounted by time and patience. Second day, from
Anson to the forks of Kennebeck, where we held a little
meeting. Third day, to Hylton's, near the Canada line,
where we were sadly disappointed by the failure of the regular
mail conveyance, which had brought us so far; but a one-horse
waggon conveyed us a tedious day's journey of twenty-eight
miles, to Cathcarts ; and thence, a two-horse waggon, (a great
prize,) on fifth day, sixty-six miles, to Point Levi, opposite to
Quebec. We crossed the noble St. Lawrence before breakfast
on sixth day, and have since passed two days of no small
interest. Pleasant acquaintance formed with Dr. Cook, of the
Presbyterian Church ; and a meeting held last evening in the
Methodist House, which was a very good one. To-day,
breakfasted with Dr. Cook, and visited the Jail; the men and
women prisoners, (far too numerous and not at all classified)
were separately addressed, and appeared attentive.

Canada was then in a very disturbed state, and
Joseph John Gurney believed it his duty to seek an
interview with the late Earl of Durham, at that
time the Governor General, with whom he had
a slight previous acquaintance; in the hope of
inducing him, if possible, to remain in a position
in which his great talents and enlightened views t
were likely to be eminently serviceable at this
critical juncture.

"He received me," says Joseph John Gurney, "with much
kindness, and I afterwards dined and spent the evening with
him, his lady, and family. I had a great deal of conversation
with him of a highly interesting character, and was much
struck with his extensive information and superior talents.
Though I had no reason to suppose that he agreed with me in
my view of the paramount importance of evangelical religion,
it was evident that he was a person of conscientious feeling,
impressed with a lively sense of a superintending providence ;
and full of good designs for the intellectual and civil improve-

JET. 51. THE EARL OF DUIUIAM. 153

ment of the people under his care. His government was
steady, calm, and peaceable ; and, as I have every reason to
believe, impartial. Certainly he was called to rule in troublous
times ; for nothing then could be more uneasy than the
juxtaposition of the two races which composed the population
of Lower Canada. Lord Durham was utterby opposed to the
shedding of blood, by the hand cither of the soldier or of
the executioner. He had put a stop to capital punishments
in Upper Canada ; and, above all, he was daily manifesting to
the citizens of the United States, that liberal and kindly
feeling, and that just appreciation of their character and
circumstances, which greatly tended to the removal of mis-
understandings, and to the insuring of permanent peace
between the two nations. Nothing could appear more ill-timed
than the differences which had just taken place between
himself and the British Parliament. He seemed to be
extremely chagrined ; and not less mortified and disappointed
were many enlightened members of the community under his
care, of both parties. I believed it right to devote several
hours to the object of laying before him, in writing, the
reasons why I thought he ought to refrain from giving up his
government.

TO THE EARL OF DURHAM.

Quebec, 9th mo., 30th, 183S.

Secluded as I am from the politics of the world, and
engaged in this country on a simple religious errand, I cannot
with a safe conscience quit this city, (which I expect to do to-
night,) without throwing before thee a few considerations on
the point which so closely occupies the public mind here at
the present time.

I am strongly convinced that thy retirement from these
provinces is likely to be productive of two results — the pre-
vention of great good ; and the infliction of greater evil.

From the conversation which has passed between us, I
conclude that the improvement of the prisons, the building
of hospitals, the suppression of vice by a good police, and the

154

CORRESPONDENCE WITH

1838.

general education of the people, are all of them objects which
occupy thy attention ; and to these must he added the far
larger points of the softening down, of dangerous asperities
in the colony, and the strengthening of good feeling between
our country and the United States of America, services in
which thou hast been already so successful.

With regard to the infliction of evil, the giving up of thy
government appears to me to have a strong tendency to the
renewal of discord, and possibly of open hostilities ; and who
shall say that in the back ground may not lie one of the worst
political calamities which could befall the civilized world, war
between Great Britain and the United States of America?

Wilt thou kindly excuse my freedom, when I remark that
no personal considerations, or views of etiquette, however
fortified they may be by custom, seem to be sufficient to
justify a course which may probably lead to such results ? I
know that thou wilt feel that downright duty alone can
justify it.

^ ^ * ^

I am quite sure that the question of moral responsibility in
this great affair, must press with vast weight on thy highly
conscientious mind, and I trust I do not exceed the bounds
of propriety, when I venture to suggest the inquiry, whether,
notwithstanding all provocation, the responsibility of his
secession, and of its probable consequences, must not be still
regarded as resting mainly on the Governor General himself?
May the Almighty be pleased to guide thee to such a final
decision in the present emergency, as will best promote thy
own peace of mind, and the welfare of these provinces !
Heartily do I unite in the desire, that an even-handed, blood-
less, and efficacious government, may not give place to a
merely military rule, and to its various distressing conse-
quences.

With great respect and regard,

I am thy sincere friend,

J. J. GURNEY.

MT. 51.

THE EARL OE DURHAM.

155

FROM THE EARL OF DURHAM.

Government House, Monday, Oct. 1st, 1838.

Dear Sir,

Accept my warmest thanks for your kind letter.
I can well appreciate the excellent motives which dictated it.
Rest assured that if I saw within my reach any means here
of doing good, no personal feelings would induce me to quit
this country. But, I am sure that the place where alone evil
can be prevented and good effected, is the British Parliament.

In Canada, all civil authority is nullified ; and I cannot
reconcile it to my conscience to govern by military power
alone.

Believe me, yours very truly,

Durham.

Lord Durham, as is well known, retired from the
government of Canada, and returned to England.
Subsequent events confirmed Joseph John Gurney
in his views as to this step. " I thought I perceived
many evidences," he writes, in allusion to it, at a
later period, " that the publication of his manly and
able report was premature." 1

From Quebec, he now proceeded up the St. Law-
rence to Montreal, with the view of obtaining a
convenient passage to Farnhani, one of the eastern
townships of Lower Canada, where he had been
informed that the Monthly Meeting of Friends in
that district was about to be held. On his arrival
at Montreal, however, he found that the meeting in
question was to assemble at Ferrisburg, in the State
of Vermont.

" There was no time to be lost," he writes, " and at an
hour's notice we were again on our journey. We first availed
ourselves of the only railroad in Canada, in order to traverse

156

VERMONT.

1838.

a flat wooded country to St. John's, a considerable town on
the Richelieu river. Here we took the daily American steam-
boat, and soon found ourselves on the noble expanse of Lake
Champlain. Our voyage was delightful. There arc many
richly wooded islands on the bosom of this water, and the
distant mountains of the state of New York, on the western
shore, and of Vermont on the eastern, give a Welsh character
to the picture. We arrived at Burlington, in Vermont, at
nine o'clock in the evening. The next morning we drove
sixteen miles to Ferrisburg, attended the Monthly Meeting,
and were afterwards entertained at the dwelling of two aged
Friends of a very primitive character, the father and mother
of many sons and daughters. We spent two more days in
attending some other meetings in the neighbourhood, and, at
the close of the week, returned to Burlington.

" This city is the seat of the State University. Here we
spent the first day of the week much to our satisfaction.
Several Friends from the country joined us in our quiet morn-
ing Avorship at the hotel. In the afternoon a public meeting
was held at a neighbouring manufacturing village by the falls
of the Winooski ; and in the evening a much larger one in
the Methodist meeting house in Burlington. We drank tea
with Dr. Wheeler, the • president of the college, who has
travelled much in Europe, and is remarkably well informed.
Professor Marsh, the teacher of Moral Philosophy, was also
of the company, and spoke in high, terms of our late friend
Jonathan Dymond's book on Ethics, which I was glad to find
in great repute in the seminaries in America. The Americans
are not suited by Paley's notions of expediency." * * *

Being still desirous of seeing the Friends in the
eastern townships of Lower Canada, Joseph John
Gurney again directed his course Northwards.

St. John's, 10th mo., 11th. Our visit to Farnham yester-
day was remarkably favoured and satisfactory, and seemed
to afford ample repayment for the exertion of getting there.

2RT. 51.

CANADA.

157

We were cordially received by the very interesting community
of Friends ; the meeting was largely attended by them and
their neighbours, and was, a time of much solemnity. After
the meeting, Henry Miles introduced the subject of an address
to Lord Durham, which was very cordially agreed to and
generally signed. In the afternoon, I held another meeting
with Friends, in which I had to encourage them warmly, in
the faithful maintenance of their testimonies and religious
standing ; which may probably be put to the proof. I sat
down yesterday morning with many Friends, in order to dis-
cuss the difficulties to which they are exposed, from the dis-
turbed state of the province. The meeting was satisfactory.
We then proceeded about twenty miles to Bedford, where we
held an excellent public meeting in the evening. Twenty
miles more of travelling have brought us hither; where I have
been quietly engaged in writing the necessary letters intro-
ducing our friends to the authorities of Quebec; and we have
appointed a meeting for the evening.

Montreal, First day, 10th mo., 1-ith. Notwithstanding
discouragements, we had a pretty large and very relieving
meeting on fifth day evening, at St. Johns ; several soldiers
being present ; and a pleasant journey hither on sixth day
morning. Our Friends went off by a boat to Quebec, on
their mission to the Governor. I made several calls, and
held a good, though very small meeting in the Wesleyan
house, in the dark wet evening. On seventh day I was much
occupied and exercised, in again writing to the Governor
General.

Joseph John Gurney now proceeded by a some-
what rapid course to Baltimore.

10th mo., 15th. The meeting yesterday morning, at
Montreal, was greatly to my relief. In the afternoon, we
were occupied by an affecting visit to the wretched prison ; an
interview with thirty-three good-looking soldiers, sentenced to
transportation for desertion, was to our satisfaction. Then a

158

BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETING.

1838

visit to Thaddeus Osgood's Bethel for seamen and first-day
school, where a solemn little meeting was also held ; and in
the evening a very favoured meeting in the Congregational
house ; so that I trust a blessing rested on the day. I am
now on my way again up the Lake Champlain, with a view of
holding meetings at Peru, and afterwards proceeding towards
Baltimore Yearly Meeting. It is a rainy and gloomy day,
but I am favoured with a degree of tranquillity, in committing
myself and my concerns to the Lord, who knows that it is
my desire, weak and unworthy though I be, not to run
counter to the gracious intimations of his blessed will. 0
Lord, cast me not away from thy presence, I beseech thee, and
take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Let me be clear of the
blood of all men; "Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, 0 Lord,
thou God of my salvation ; and my tongue shall sing aloud of
thy righteousness."

11th mo., 11th. The Yearly Meeting of Baltimore began
and progressed favourably. We had an excellent time over
the state of the Society ; and, on the whole, though the body
was small, — not larger than many Monthly Meetings, — there
was much of the weight of a Yearly Meeting in it. The
meeting for worship on fifth day was a good one ; and the
conclusion, on sixth day morning, very solemn. John Meader
held a good meeting one evening with the coloured people :
and I had to instruct some large circles of the young ; a
service in which I was graciously helped.

After attending the Yearly Meeting at Baltimore,
Joseph John Gurney was closely engaged for several
weeks, in various religious services, in Maryland and
the adjacent parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
He then returned to New York ; and, with the
concurrence of Friends there, entered upon a visit
to the families of Friends in that city and its neigh-
bourhood, in which he was diligently occupied to
the conclusion of the year.

JET. 51.

NEW YORK.

159

TO HIS DAUGHTER.

New x'ork, 12th mo., 11th, 1S38.

My dearest Anna,

I have a mind to write thee a few
private lines, being much drawn forth in ardent paternal love
towards thee, and feeling the lengthening chain that separates
us not very easy to my natural mind. But let us be of good
cheer ; the time of absence is gradually lessening, and if we
each keep to our line of duty in the tenderness, meekness, and
patience of Christ, we shall, I reverently hope and believe, be
permitted, in due season, to meet again in peace and joy. I
feel an anxious solicitude, that nothing may move thee from
the quiet, unobtrusive path of consistent Friendliness. I
believe thy principles in these matters are fixed and settled ;
but I like to give thee a word of encouragement to persevere.
I own I am sometimes fearful lest thy association with some
who are pursuing a less restricted course, should in the least
rub off the tender bloom of retiring piety ; that piety which
leads thee at times to sit alone and keep silence, bearing the
yoke upon thee ; yea, " to put thy mouth in the dust,
if so be, there may be hope." Be very watchful, my dear child,
as if thou wast in thy father's presence. Remember that the
eye of the God and Father whom lie desires to serve is always
upon thee. Dwell very low before the Lord ; shun self com-
placency as thou wouldst a serpent. Indeed, my darling, my
feelings are not sectarian, but I do see, that the quiet self-
denying path, which I wish thee to continue to walk in, is a
safe one for the immortal soul. It is a path, that I am myself
constrained to walk in, by principles of the highest and most
comprehensive nature ; and, whilst I yield myself up to these
principles, my heart glows with love towards the whole Church
of Christ, and the whole family of man. I know it is a
humbling thing to be a plain Friend, but I wish thee to bear
this humiliation. The Lord will reward thee for it. "Be
faithful unto death, and a crown of life shall be given thee."

160

NEW YORK.

1838.

TO HIS BROTHER SAMUEL GURNEY.

New York, 12th mo., 19th, 1838.

* * * The prevalence of a worldly spirit, and of the love
of money in this city, and the opportunity which has heen
afresh given me of observing how these things dry up the very
sap of life, and also how sure they are to increase, as money
accumulates ; i.e., as the only possible excuse for them decreases,
make me feel deeply anxious, my dearest brother, that thou and
I, and our dear children, may be taught of the Lord, to continue,
or yet more to abound, in diffusing in proportion to our means.
It is an absolutely needful safety-valve for us in a spiritual
point of view. Of this I am increasingly persuaded ; and yet
I know it must all be in the ordering of best wisdom, under
the government of Him for whom we are stewards.

* * * I was much grieved at the failure of my appeal to
Lord Durham, though I believe it cost him two days' re-
flection. His leaving the province, was, in my opinion, a very
unhappy circumstance ; and I am extremely afraid lest the
military penal executions which are now going on in Canada,
should bring upon our people there a terrible retribution. It is
a foolish game to arouse the sympathies of the United States
in favour of the rebels, and most heartily do I crave that
general warfare may not be the ultimate result.

The warm and affectionate letter from which the
following is an extract, was addressed to the
grandchildren of his aunt Jane Gurney, on the
anniversary of the decease of his beloved uncle
Joseph Gurney.

New York, 12th mo., 25th, 1S38.

* * * I am now fifty years old, and have seen a good deal
of the world, — my acquaintance with the religious public, and
with serious persons of various names and classes, has been
extensive, — and it is my testimony that I have not seen a

JET. 50.

LETTER.

161

better way to walk in, than that into which he was led. I
mean simple, sincere, living quakerism. I think it is under
no sectarian feelings, that I find myself penning that word
quakerism. I have reference chiefly to the well known views
always entertained by our Society, respecting the supreme,
immediate, and perceptible government of Jesus Christ over
his church, by the influence of his Holy Spirit. I wish you to
understand in Avhat sense I use the word "perceptible." The
distinct whisper of some private counsellor is perceptible to the
ear ; but not more so than the still small voice of the Spirit of
Christ in the heart, saying to every one of you, " This is the
way, walk ye in it." The light of the sun, which reveals the
objects of nature, is perceptible to the eye : but not more so
than the light of Christ, which makes manifest moral truth to
the consciences of all men, and which shines on all those par-
ticular duties, to which we are individually called, as living
members of the Church of God. Thus with me the light has shone
on a religious visit to America ; and on many a specific labour
and service in that land. The gentle breeze which blows from
the south, is perceptible to the feelings ; but not more so than
the gentle constraint of a divine influence which impels the
Christian onward in his race of duty. When every wind
ceases to blow, the very stillness is perceptible to the nerves of
the body ; but not more so than the holy tranquillity of soul
which the Spirit imparts to the man of a good conscience —
"the peace of God which passeth all understanding."

Now, my dearly beloved ones, abide and walk under this all
effective government of a righteous Saviour. Let every desire
that would lead to transgression be checked ; every rebel
thought subdued; every undue conformity to the world and
its vanities surrendered ; and be ye all that the Lord would
have you to be. Imitate the example of Moses, and make all
things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount,
even to the least pin of the tabernacle. This is the true secret
of Christian perfection ; a standard hard to reach, but always
to be followed. "Know ye not that your bodies are the
temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which you have of

Vol. II. — 11

1G2

NEW YORK.

1838.

God, and that ye are not your own, but bought ivith a price?"
Oh, that costly glorious price; the atoning blood of Jesus
Christ, the one propitiatory offering for the sms of the whole
world ! Meditate on the infinite loving kindness of that
Saviour who came down from the glory of his majesty, to live
and die for sinners — who bore your sins in his own body on the
tree ; and lose not an hour, you dear elder ones, in devoting
yourselves, body and soul, to his service.

And now a few sentences on the word immediate. Friends
hold the immediate influences of the Spirit in contrast with
those who, while they allow the inspiration of the sacred
writers, imagine that their writings are the only guide with
which we are now favoured in the way of truth and righteous-
ness. " The Scriptures," say such persons, "were given forth
by the Spirit of God ; all, therefore, who believe and obey the
Scriptures, are, through that medium, taught by the Spirit."
We, on the other hand, assert that no man can savingly
believe in the truth declared in Scripture, or truly obey its
precepts, unless his understanding is illuminated, and his
heart touched by the immediate or direct influences of that
Spirit, who is himself the divine author of the book ; and
further than this, while we expect no revelation of the peculiar
facts and doctrines of Christianity, except through Scripture,
we believe that the moral law is, to a certain extent,
immediately revealed to all men, independently of the book ; and
also that, with respect to their individual callings in the church,
Christians cannot ascertain them from Scripture. Here they
have no other guide to look to, but the voice of the Spirit of
Christ, who condescends to speak immediately to his people,
and to show them what are the services into which he is
pleased to call them. May you, beloved ones, ever be attentive
to his immediate teachings ; they will guide you in the way
of truth and righteousness, virtue and peace. From these
remarks it is evident that there is nothing in the view taken
by Friends, of the immediate influences of the Spirit, (a view
which is, I believe, increasingly opening on sound Christians
of every name,) which has the least tendency to discourage a

JET. 51.

LETTER.

1G3

diligent use of those means which God has appointed for
our edification and growth in grace. Do not neglect these
means, as you value your immortal souls ! Be fervent and
instant in prayer; seek after retirement; reverently wait upon
God ; pour forth your hearts before him. He is a prayer-
hearing, prayer-answering God. Never pass a day without
reading a portion of Scripture in private; "meditate on these
things;" give yourselves "wholly to them." Be faithful and
diligent in attending all your meetings, both for worship and
discipline. Your pilgrim cousin charges you, in the name of
his Master, never to subside into carelessness in these matters.
Let him more especially advise you to be regular in the
attendance of your week-day meetings. I believe I could say
with truth, that the most profitable and happiest part of my
life has been spent in these very meetings. It is both good
and pleasant to retire from the whirl and hum of a money
getting, pleasure hunting world, to wait upon our glorious
Creator, in the "silence of all flesh." How many were the
happy hours which I spent with your beloved grandfather
after this sort ! How many the calm and cheerful walks which
we afterwards took together from the meeting to the bank !
Well, my dears, to conclude this long, and to me unexpected
appeal, be strong in the Lord ; persevere ; press onwards in the
path of self denial, in the race of holiness ; give up all for Christ ;
be faithful unto death ; and no man shall take your crown.
Bear, however, a short postscript on the subject of plainness of
speech, behaviour, and apparel. Your grandfather adopted
these things under deep convictions of duty. He knew they
were right; he found that they worked well ; he adhered to
them faithfully to his life's end. Will you not follow his
example ? If you will, of one thing I am assured, that you
will never have occasion to regret your decision, either in this
world, or in the world to come.

I must conclude with a message of dear, faithful, and tender
love to your parents, and above all to your revered grand-
mother. May they have the delight of seeing you walking in
the truth !

164

NEW YORK.

1839.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
1839. iET. 51—52.

CONCLUSION OF LABOURS AT NEW YORK ; ILLNESS AT FLUSHING;
PAMPHLET ON SLAVERY; SECOND ATTENDANCE OF YEARLY
MEETINGS AT PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK; LABOURS IN
THE STATE OF NEW YORK ; AND IN UPPER CANADA J SING-SING
PRISON ; FENIMORE COOPER J TONA WANDA INDIANS ; BALTIMORE
YEARLY MEETING; PROSPECT OF VISIT TO WEST INDIES.

During Joseph John Gurney's stay at New York,
he formed an acquaintance with several interesting
characters.

"I called one morning," he writes, "on W. C. Bryant, the
first of American poets. He bears about him the expression
of acute intellectual power, and somewhat reminded me of
Southey. I was pleased to converse with him about his
brethren in the art, the living poets of our own country.
One point may be stated greatly to the credit of this man of
genius — he is a consistent and unflinching advocate of eman-
cipation. Another leisure evening was agreeably spent at the
house of Colonel Stone, who is well known for his extensive
literary acquirements. He is a person of ready wit, and,
what is far better, of serious religious principle. At his
house I met Dr. Spring, the minister of a large Presbyterian
congregation. I was also glad to renew an acquaintance with
Dr. Milnor, who is indefatigable in his support of the Bible
and Tract Societies, and other similar institutions. I was
much interested by visiting the office and warehouses of the
American Bible Society. The business of that institution is
there conducted on a large scale ; and although I had no op-

JET. 51.

EDUCATION, SCHOOLS, ETC.

165

portunity of attending its public meetings, I was rejoiced to
hear of its continued activity and prosperity. It surely is a
work of which no man can deny either the propriety or the
importance.

"The state of New York," he remarks in another letter,
"is divided into upwards of 10,000 educational districts, in
which more than 500,000 young persons receive an elemen-
tary education free of expense, being at school, on an average,
for eight months during the year. These schools are sup-
ported, partly by the funds of the state, and partly by local
rates. They probably form, as a whole, the most generalized
machinery for popular education to be met with in any
country in the world. There is one point connected with
these schools, in which a large proportion of them differ from
the British schools in England. It is that neither the Scrip-
tures themselves, nor extracts from them, are used as daily
reading lessons.* This I consider a lamentable defect, and
one which can scarcely fail to be injurious in its consecpiences.
Happily the exception does not apply to the schools in New
York itself, which are ably superintended by a committee of
gentlemen, and are conducted, as all such schools ought to be,
on the basis of Scripture.

" The friends of education in this city were much indebted
to the late Joseph Lancaster, whose plan they adopted, and
who, personally, very materially assisted them in the formation
of their schools. I often saw him while I was in America,
and much regretted that his want of care and prudence was
so constantly involving him in difficulties. In the Autumn of
1838, he was repeatedly heard to say, that his work was
finished, that he had now nothing left him to do but to die.
Soon afterwards he was knocked down, in the streets of New
York, by a runaway horse in a waggon, and died in a few days.
Notwithstanding all his infirmities, there is reason to believe,
that, through the mercy of that divine Saviour, in whom he
trusted, his end was peace.

* Some alteration, it is behoved, has taken place in this respect,
since Joseph John Gurney's visit.

106

NEW YORK.

1839.

During the whole of my stay in America, New York, in a
commercial point of view, was in a state of considerable de-
pression. The enormous losses occasioned by the great fire,
in 1835, were by no means fully recovered ; and, since that
event, frequent conflagrations to a less terrible extent, have
taken place in the city. But the main cause of suffering
was the unequalled course of speculation and gambling, which
disgraced the mercantile annals both of England and America,
in the years 1836 and 1837. The amount of accommodation
paper which was then in circulation between the two countries^
probably formed a larger bubble of that nature, than the
world had ever before seen ; and when it burst, in the spring
of 1837, the desolation which it produced, in New York par-
ticularly, was extensive and overwhelming. One indication
of the altered state of things, was afforded by the comparative
prices of land in the immediate neighbourhood of the city.
During the flood tide of prosperity, large lots were purchased
at Brooklyn, on the opposite side of the river, and in other
places near the city, in order to be laid out for houses and
streets. Enormous prices were given ; in many instances
2000 dollars for an acre. But when the delusion was dissi-
pated, the speculators in land were in distress, and it was
found impossible to sell the subdivisions, from which vast
profits had been expected, without incurring a formidable
loss. * * *

Speaking of the towns of America, I cannot think that the
population derive any substantial advantage from the multi-
plication of their daily newspapers. Scarcely a village is to
be found, of any considerable size, in which one of these
periodicals is not published, whilst in the larger towns and
cities they are very numerous. I often regretted that so much
time is occupied by American citizens in poring over these often
flimsy productions. This practice, together with that of read-
ing novels, which are published in great numbers and at a
very low price, has a material tendency to lower the tone both
of intellect and of moral feeling. In making these remarks,
I do not forget that newspapers, well conducted, and in
moderate numbers, are of essential service to the community.

XT. 51.

ILLNESS AT FLUSHING.

1G7

Soon after completing his visit to the families of
Friends in New York, Joseph John Gurney, in
consequence of exposure to cold and wet, was seized
with a violent attack of illness, which prevented
him from pursuing his labours for a period of nearly
three months. During the greater part of this con-
finement he was hospitably cared for at the house
of his valued friend Joshua Kimber, at Flushing,
in Long Island. "It was a time," he writes, "of
suffering from bodily indisposition, but there was
much in it both to instruct and to enjoy. The
Friends under whose roof I was are the parents of
an interesting family; and both they and their
children were ever ready to minister to my com-
fort."

Writing to his children, in the early part of his
illness, (under date 1st mo., 16th,) evidently under
a feeling of some uncertainty as to the result, after
sending warm messages of love to his numerous
friends, and expressing his earnest desires respect-
ing themselves, he thus concludes : —

Above all things, my most beloved children, keep in mind
your stewardship ; that giving yourselves freely up to the
softening, melting power of divine grace, and suffering it to
work in you, and through you, as it will, you may neither of
you miss of the glorious "well done " at last ! Be sure to be
faithful Friends ; persevering workers in the Bible Society ;
and circumspect, living, liberal members of the universal
church of Christ.

The following are from his Journal : —

1st mo., 20th. My mind has been generally preserved in
a state of quietness, not without a little lively faith that the

168

ILLNESS AT FLUSHING.

1839.

Lord will bring me through this illness. " I shall not die,
but live, and declare the works of the Lord." The experience
of this sickness has brought sweetly home the reality of the
truth, as held by Friends, and has been much to the confirma-
tion of my faith. To take a fresh look at death, and to find
that my Saviour is above its terrors, is a great benefit.

2nd mo., 1st. Beginning the new month still in confinement
has been rather discouraging to my natural feelings. Last
evening very sweet was the calm spread over me ; and a prayer
from dear E. Coggeshall, who is now paying us an acceptable
visit, was most precious. " Why art thou cast down, 0 my
soul, and why art thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in
God ; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my
countenance and my God."

First day afternoon, 2nd mo., 10th. I have been most mer-
cifully dealt with, and I desire to be enabled to make some
record of the gracious dealings of my Lord with me ; wholly
unworthy as I am of the very least of his mercies. It was, I
believe, in a measure of the obedience of faith, that I left my
all to come to this country ; and, perhaps, since I left home
my faith has never been put to a closer test than during this
illness ; but there is that which is in us Avhich we have of
God, that does, at times, arise into a degree of blessed pre-
dominance over all our fears and temptations. May I be
gathered to this holy power and influence more and more !

Fifth day morning. I have been attending our little
week-day meeting this morning ; a very precious time,
wherein a concern was expressed that we might be gathered
to the Lord's own washing, and feeding, and teaching ; and I
believe I am, through mercy, unhurt by this effort.

2nd mo., Vdth [At Westbury, Long Island.] I have been
favoured with a night of enjoyable repose, and greatly feel the
benefit of change of air. A precious time after the reading
this morning. Surely the Lord condescends to be with us
here, and praise is most abundantly his due. I am living a
day at a time, more than ever before perhaps.

Evening. — Pleasant visit to Jericho ; passed by the house
once occupied by Elias Hicks. Visits to Thomas and Phebe

,ET. 51.

CONVALESCENCE.

169

Willis, and their daughter Anna ; and in the afternoon, two or
three hours at William and Anna W. Willis's. Bodily infirmity
is prevalent with these Friends, but they are of the right
kind indeed. We had comforting opportunities of a religious
nature in each house, and here again this evening with
Stephen and Phebe Rushmore. Thus the Lord is bestowing
freely of his goodness upon us out of an inexhaustible
treasury.

After visiting the few families of Friends at
Westbury and Jericho, he writes: —

Seventh day, 3rd mo., IGth. We have been graciously
favoured to get along comfortably with our work, though, on
my part, through much fear and weakness, and some close
trial of faith. All the families well got through, and a
remarkable meeting with a large company of Hicksites and
others, at Jerusalem, yesterday. Some of them hard and
restless ; but I trust truth was over all opposition.

3rd mo., 19fA. Deep and various are the exercises of mind
which I have gone through since last seventh day. The after-
noon meeting on first day, held at Jericho, in the Hicksite
meeting:housc, large, and attended by the Hicksites in a body.
It was a very exercising and ciritical occasion ; the first Friends'
meeting there since the separation ; and there, in the place
once occupied by Elias Hicks, I was enabled to proclaim the
glorious contrary to all his notions. I have seldom felt more
helped, and there was evidently a considerably open door. We
spent a highly satisfactory evening afterwards with William
and Anna Willis.

During his convalescence he had been occupied
in writing a few Free and Friendly Remarks on a
Speech lately delivered in the Senate of the United
States, by Henry Clay, of Kentucky, on the subject
of the Abolition of North American Slavery. In

170

PAMFIILET ON AMERICAN SLAVERY.

1839.

this little tract, after dwelling upon the startling
fact, admitted by Henry Clay, that there were in
the United States three millions of intelligent and
immortal beings condemned by law, without a
crime proved or even alleged against them, to
an ignominious and perpetual " servitude," all
the more embittered and agonizing by being
"involuntary;" and liable to be bought and sold
" like pigs, sheep, and oxen," Joseph John Gurney
briefly but powerfully exposes the monstrous in-
consistency between such a fact and the theory on
which the independence of the United States is
founded, that " all men," (without distinction of
colour,) "are created equal; and are endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienable rights;"
among which " are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness." He then proceeds, in a strain of clear
and unanswerable argument, to show that the
abolition, by the federal government, of slavery in
the districts of Columbia and of Florida, and of the
internal slave-trade throughout the Union, would
be in perfect accordance both with the letter and
the spirit of the constitution of the United States;
and, in conclusion, powerfully urges the claims of
righteousness, mercy, and truth, as loudly calling
for the adoption of these measures. The whole
spirit of the tract is calm and Christian ; and though
published anonymously, was too characteristic of the
mind of the author to admit of his being long con-
cealed. "And so you are a writer too," said Henry
Clay, addressing Joseph John Gurney, when they met
at Washington in the following year, " I read your
pamphlet and discovered the author immediately.

jET. 51. PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING. 171

Of the various reviews of my speech upon Slavery,
including Channing's, I consider yours the best."
It was read extensively, and its conciliatory tone
obtained for it a wide circulation even amongst the
slaveholders in the southern states* Referring to
its publication, Joseph John Gurney writes, in his
Journal : —

?>rdmo., 25th. I have been this afternoon brought fervently
to desire, that if this extra service of mine be not of the Lord,
it may be stayed in its course ; but if of the Lord, that it may
go forward ; and in the latter view I am again permitted to
feel peace. 0, I would not break or lose the golden thread
which can alone bring me safely through this labyrinth of
tears, for all the fame, the honour, the riches, the adulation
of this fallen world. Lord, suffer me, I most ardently beseech
thee, to have my portion (deeply unworthy as I am) in the
language, "We have the mind of Christ." Having that mind,
and being sure of it, I think I could bear the consequences.
Lord, give me more faith, more conquering faith in thy own
eternal wisdom and power !

In the fourth month of this year Joseph John
Gurney again attended the Yearly Meeting at
Philadelphia.

Ath mo., 22nd. I have many mercies to record in the
recollection of the last ten days. The meeting of ministers
and elders on seventh day, the 13th, passed off quietly. On
second day the Yearly Meeting commenced ; long acceptable
silence ; equally acceptable prayer from Daniel Wheeler.
The meeting for worship at Arch Street on fifth day, much
favoured ; Elizabeth Robson more powerful in testimony than
I ever before heard her; and "anointing" in prayer was

* It will be found reprinted in the Appendix to J. J. Gurney's
Winter in the West Indies, pp. 253-282.

172

PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING.

1839.

afterwards as graciously given me. On sixth day Daniel
Wheeler was very acceptably engaged in ministry.

Just as the Yearly Meeting was closing that evening, I
rose and said ; " In the fear of the Lord, and in ardent love
to all now assembled, I feel constrained to express my con-
viction, that the noble testimony always borne by this Society
to the universal and independent influence of the Spirit of
God upon the minds of men, and to the primary character of
this influence as the very spring of all true knowledge of
divine things, will never perish or fade away from among the
children of men ; and I have the same conviction respecting
the immediate teaching, guidance, and government of Jesus
Christ, by the Holy Spirit, in the church ; which I regard as
the root of all these practical testimonies, respecting worship
and conduct, into which our forefathers were led. May we
maintain these views and testimonies with one mind and one
accord, remembering that they are in perfect accordance with
the corresponding doctrines of the full divine authority of the
Holy Scriptures, and of the propitiatory sacrifice of our Lord
Jesus Christ, as the sole ground of our hope of acceptance
with God, and of everlasting salvation ! May we, by the
intelligible language of a devoted and consistent life and
conversation, show forth our adherence to the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth, as it is in Jesus !"
The meeting closed in much solemnity.

Whilst thus engaged in a distant land, Joseph John
Gurney was cheered by receiving the following
encouraging account of the beneficial effect, under
the Divine blessing, of some of his earlier labours.

FROM ROBERT HANKINSON.

Hampstcad, April 4th, 1S39.

* * * * Some months ago I called on a lady with whom
I had a slight acquaintance, and whose inquiring state of
mind had previously interested me. I found her very anxious
about a near relative, who was in a declining state of health.

JET. 51.

ENCOURAGING LETTER.

173

His religious views were very unsatisfactory, and it was
evident, from her account, that he had drunk deeply of the
poison of Socinianism. When I went home I put a copy of
your Letter to a Friend on the Authority, Purpose, and
Effects of Christianity, as published by the Religious Tract
Society, within the volume of your Essays, and sent them to
her. About a fortnight ago they were returned with a short
note, and I have since called on her. Striking indeed was
her report. After earnest prayer she -went with the books to
her father's bedroom, not knowing in what way to introduce
them, nor how far they were suited to the turn of his mind.
She determined, therefore, if possible, to induce him to dis-
close to her his religious sentiments ; and, after much urgent
pressing, he told her that many years ago he had been in the
habit cf associating with the Friend to whom your letter was

addressed, and some others who lived in , and that

from them he had taken his religious opinions. He had not
wished that they should bias his family, and therefore had
refrained from communicating with them on the subject, but
he was one who did not believe in the Divinity of Christ.
The opportunity had come ; his daughter told him that she
had, in the room with her, a letter which had been addressed
to his friend, and which had been the means of inducing him
to change his opinion. He was incredulous about it, but said
he should like to hear it. She began to read, and, with
growing interest, he listened. The letter was read again and
again, and again ; and from it they went to the Essays, reading
those portions that particularly interested him ; and so was it
all over-ruled and blessed, that it ended in his complete ac-
knowledgment of the Saviour. The day before his death, when
his family were around him, he said spontaneously, " I wish
to make this acknowledgment to you : I feel myself to be a
miserable sinner, but my entire trust is in Christ my
Saviour." May we not, my dear friend, be thankful for such
a testimony, and may we not humbly believe that in his 85th
year he was turned from his error, and is a monument of the
all-saving power of Christ ! It will not be less interesting to
you to know that this individual was the late Sir .

174

STATE OF NEW YORK.

1839.

The interval between the Yearly Meeting of
Philadelphia, and that of New York at the close
of the fifth month, was occupied by Joseph John
Gurney in various religious engagements, in the
State of New York, principally in West Chester,
Dutchess, Putnam and Columbia Counties, on the
East of the Hudson, and in Ulster and Orange
Counties, on the Western side of that river. At
Nine Partners, in Dutchess County, he visited the
public boarding school under the care of New York
Yearly Meeting. He describes it as " a very
comfortable place, and remarkably well managed;
though the number of pupils is seldom large." At
the conclusion of his labours in Dutchess County,
he spent part of a day at West Point, on the
Hudson, where there -is a military academy. Whilst
there, in the prospect of holding a meeting on the
ensuing day, he gave vent to his feelings in the
following lines. They are copied from his Journal
under date 5th mo., 16th : —

AN EVENING'S REST AT WEST POINT.

The pulse of life stands still — a pause is come —

Though mute, its meaning cannot be denied :

" Cease from thyself, and commune with thy God,

The Maker and the Saviour of the world."

In solemn silence, far below my feet,

Flows on the wondrous river; and the rocks

On either side impending, clad in green,

The brightest and the loveliest blush of spring,

Fling their dark-pointed shadows — types of Him

Whose strength immutable and fostering care

Invite me to repose. Behind them rise

In mutual near approach, and loftier far,

Yet not so lofty as to mock the eye,

The mountain peaks and domes and pyramids.

JET. 51.

evening's rest at west point.

175

Waving with forest ; in the distant north
The Katskill, towering high above them all,
" Draws her pale outline on the azure sky.
The mingled foliage of the sloping woods
That mantle the deep glen, and kiss the wave,
What brush can paint? The maple filled with juice,
The oaks of various leaf, chisell'd and glazed,
And the light willow weeping gracefully;
The sycamore, and poplar, tulip gemmed,
And blossomed chesnut of the darker hue,
Or brighter green and flowerless, elm and ash,
Display, in all the fulness of their charms,
The utmost vigour of the rising year.
Sloop after sloop comes dancing o'er the wave,
Each sail expanded to the prosperous breeze,
Now white with sunshine, and now dark with shade,
And changed from form to form, at every turn.
Thought roves amid these scenes unchecked, and the 3'oung town
That glistens on yon green and distant slope,
Too softly slumbers in the evening beam
To indicate " the busy hum of men,"
Or mar the peaceful solitude of thought.
Here will I meditate, unheard, unseen,
Not joyless, though in tears; and breathe my prayer,
Deep, fervent, frequent, for my best belov'd
Whom ocean severs from their pilgrim sire.

The Journal continues : —

bth mo., 18tA. Yesterday, (at West Point,) was a day to
be recorded for the confirmation of my faith. Every way to
a meeting seemed closed. The commandant refused an
interview with the cadets ; the landlord could not prepare a
room at the hotel ; my friends and I seemed paralyzed. I
got down at last to a willingness to be nothing, and invited a
few individuals to sit with us at eight o'clock in private.
Without notice on my part, we had Major Delafield (the
commandant) himself, several of the professors, about thirty
of the elder cadets, besides the episcopalian clergyman and
others, and were favoured with an excellent meeting.

176

NEW YORK; NEW JERSEY.

1839.

Canterbury, 5th mo., 24th. The public meeting here last
evening, with Friends, Hicksites, and others, amply repaid
for much labour and exercise, and was a crown to our whole
excursion. I have now been favoured to make a pretty
general visit in Ferrisburg, Saratoga, (both last autumn,)
Westbury, and New York, Purchase, Nine Partners, Stanford,
and Cornwall Quarterly Meetings, all in this Yearly Meeting.
We propose taking steamboat for New York this afternoon.
May the Lord continue graciously to go with us, protecting
and guiding us in all our ways ! On the retrospect of the four
weeks since leaving Philadelphia, my health better, my mind
relieved, I feel that I have abundant cause for gratitude to
the Author of my life, and for renewed and more entire
dedication to his service. Be it so, be it so, saith my soul !

New York, 6th mo., 2nd. I have now to commemorate,
with humble gratitude, one of the most open and agreeable
Yearly Meetings I have attended in America which ended in
great solemnity on sixth day evening. We had an excellent
discussion on slavery, and my pamphlet is in the way of
satisfactory circulation. I have been very comfortably united
with Daniel Wheeler and T. and E. Robson. The Yearly
Meeting has been large, and I trust the state of the society
may be regarded as hopeful.

New York, 6th mo., 12th. Just returned from an excursion
of great interest in New Jersey. Started on fourth day last,
with M. Day, and arrived at Princeton at noon. We had an
excellent public meeting that night; collegians, professors, &c,
generally present. Sixth day to New Brunswick ; meeting there
with collegians, &c, in the evening. Seventh day, journey (forty
miles) to Shrewsbury ; much oppression and indisposition at
night. Wonderfully helped through the meetings the next
day. Came to New York this morning in time to attend a
large meeting, with two marriages. To Flushing this evening.
I have, during the last few days, been passing through untold
and inexpressible exercise of mind, with some considerable
oppression of body; but have been most graciously helped
through the meetings, and faith has been renewed from season
to season that I shall be carried through.

JET. 51.

TO J. AND H. C. BACKHOUSE.

177

0 Lord ! give me more faith, more strength, more unreserved
submission, more of the patience of hope, for thy mercy's
sake, and for thy cause sake, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Bless and keep my children ; and permit us, if it
please thee, to meet in peace ; yea, in the fulness of the
blessing of the gospel of Christ.

TO J. AND H. C. BACKHOUSE.

Samuel Parsons', Flushing, 6th mo., 15th, 1839.

* * * If Christ be not accepted in all his gracious offices,
and, as ability is afforded, set forth in the same, the sure con-
sequence is a gradual lapse into heresy — an observation which
applies with equal force to those who disregard his coming in
the flesh as the Revealer of truth, and the Propitiation for sin,
and to those who think lightly, and dwell very cursorily,
(if at all,) on his appearing in 'the heart, by his Spirit. It
seems impossible that anything can be more striking than the
lessons which have been read to us, on both these points, of
late seasons. My very soul is penetrated with the conviction
of the excellence, beauty, and perfection of pure primitive
Christianity as held by Friends. The evangelical foundation ;
the spiritual superstructure ; what a delightful harmony be-
tween the two ; what a unity in the glorious whole ! Who
shall dare to mar it either by diminution or addition ?

1 do not mean that the whole should be brought forward
in every sermon ; but the whole should be deeply deposited in
the mind of every preacher of the gospel, and be brought
forth from the treasure house as the state of the hearers
may require, under the immediate influences of the Spirit of
Truth. So be it with you, and with me, my dearly beloved
fellow workers in the cause of Christ.

Opposite the hospitable abode, at Flushing, where
Joseph John Gurney was now staying, stood two
venerable oaks, under which George Fox, nearly
two hundred years before, held a large and

Vol. II. — 12

173

MEETING AT FLUSHING.

1839.

impressive meeting with the inhabitants of Long-
Island.*

" Under these oaks," writes Joseph John Gurney, " I had
long believed that it would be my duty to hold a meeting,
there being no suitable place of worship in the village, large
enough to accommodate the people. It was now the middle
of the sixth month. Notice had been given of the meeting
to be held at five o'clock in the afternoon of first day, and
scats had been provided in the open air for about 1000 people.
The day was windy and lowering ; and, as one dark cloud after
another moved rapidly across the sky, I could not but feel
considerable anxiety. My powers of voice also appeared
nearly gone. But just before five o'clock, the sky cleared,
the wind abated, and a multitude of people were seen flock-
ing to the spot ; large numbers of the upper class, and many
of the labouring inhabitants of the district, including the
coloured people, and Irish Roman Catholics. The mixed
assembly soon settled into silence, and I was enabled to speak
to them for upwards of an hour, so as to be heard by all pre-
sent. We were reminded that God is 'manifest in his Son,'
and great was the attention which prevailed on the occasion.
After the offering of prayer, we again fell into silence ; and
the meeting concluded in much order and quietness. It was
indeed a good meeting. George Fox might, perhaps, have
applied to it his epithet ' glorious.' Immediately afterwards
a slight shower fell, which, had it occurred a few minutes
sooner, would have robbed the meeting of its best and most
solemn moments."

He now left the neighbourhood of New York,
with the view of visiting the settlements of
Friends, and of holding meetings with the people

*See George Fox's journal, vol. 2. p. 192, edition 1709. The
precise spot is not indicated in the journal, but the remembrance of
it has been preserved by a local tradition. Since J. J. Gurney's
visit, one of these oaks has been blown down by a violent storm.

JET. 51.

SING-SING PRISON.

179

at large, in the north-western parts of the State,
and in Upper Canada. " Sweet and solemn,"
he observes in his Journal, " are the feelings
which mark the commencement of this new
pilgrimage ; very much like those on leaving Liver-
pool. 0 Lord, in the plenitude of thy mercy and
of thy love, undertake for me !"

His first object was a visit to Sing-Sing, a town
on the eastern banks of the Hudson, about thirty
miles north of New York, where he was desirous of
examining the state penitentiary. In his Journal
he briefly records the result of his observations.

6th mo., 18th. We have thoroughly inspected the prison
this morning ; a scene of wondrous industry, but the stimulus,
alas ! is that of the whip, in the arbitrary hands of overseers
or underkeepers. I should like to see the stimulus of a share
in their wages tried as a substitute. The prison much more
than pays its way. Proportion of blacks one in five. A
meeting with the prisoners is appointed for this afternoon.

The following letter, addressed three days later,
from "the Mountain-house," on the Hudson, to the
Governor of the prison, more fully explains his
views : —

* * * When I consider how much there is of what is de-
sirable and excellent in the Institution, especially that full
and constant employment of the prisoners which is so striking
and cheering a spectacle, I feel the more solicitous that the
system should be carried to as great a perfection as circum-
stances will admit, and be divested of all its unfavourable
features.

Supposing it to be necessary, with very hardened offenders,
and on very particular occasions, to make use of the cat,
(which, however, I doubt,) it must surely be allowed that the

180

STATE OF NEW YORK.

1839.

frequent use of it, at the arbitrary pleasure of the overseer,
or under-agent, is a prodigious evil, liable to great abuse. I
know the law seems to allow it, but the law might easily be
altered at the suggestion of those interested in the good
management of the prison. The more I reflect on this sub-
ject, the more I deplore this mode of government, which can-
not possibly fail still further to harden and degrade those who
are subjected to it. Taking the decrease of crime to be the
true object of punishment, the reformation of the criminal
ought surely to be the leading tendency of every system
of prison discipline. I cannot believe that there is any such
tendency in the system of the whip. I think we ought to
bear on the better parts of the human mind, to act upon
honourable hope rather than upon terror or dread. In this
point of view, I am deliberately of the judgment that the
best antidote for the whip, would be the more legitimate
stimulus of wages. The giving up to the prisoners of a
small portion of their wages, would leave the punishment of
imprisonment and hard labour quite sufficiently severe ; and
the very trifling diminution which it would occasion in the
profits of the institution, would be abundantly repaid by its
moral effects. Even on the most degraded of mankind, no
law works with so much efficacy as the law of Christian
kindness, grounded on real, serious, religious principle.*

Pursuing his journey, he now spent several weeks
among the numerous little settlements of Friends
within the Quarterly Meetings of Butternuts, Scipio,
and Farmington, in the north-western counties of
the State of New York. After a " large and

* Referring to the suggestion here made, Joseph John Guruey re-
marks several years later, " Whether it has been acted on or not I
cannot say; but I am glad to observe the following passage in an ab-
stract of the message of the Governor of the State addressed to the
legislature at the beginning of 1841 : — 'The discipline of the prisons
has undergone a thorough reform ; and the happiest effects are
anticipated from the present wise and philanthropic system.' "

JPt. 51.

FENIMORE COOPER.

181

remarkable" meeting at Butternuts, in Otsego
county, and another at Burlington, on the following
morning, he came to Cooperstown, the county town,
situated at the southern extremity of the Otsego
Lake, where, at his request, a meeting of the
inhabitants was appointed to be held that evening.

" This town," he writes in one of his letters, " derives its
name from the late Judge Cooper, whose son and heir occupies
the stone mansion, which, although of no great antiquity, here
goes by the name of the Old Hall. I called upon him in
company with our guide, who had long been acquainted with
the family, to invite him to our meeting ; and we afterwards
found that he had broken away from a gay party in order to
attend it. The town was much filled on this day with judges
and lawyers ; for it was the time of the sessions, and the
court adjourned at an earlier hour than usual, for the purpose
of affording those gentlemen an opportunity of attending the
Friends' meeting. I trust that their obliging behaviour to a
stranger was not useless to themselves. The cause of
Christianity was pleaded on the occasion, in opposition to
some of those insidious forms of unbelief which are not
uncommon in America. We afterwards found that a highly
gifted lawyer, who entertained these sentiments, formed one of
the party. On our return to the hotel, I found our friend
J. Fenimore Cooper, in his white jacket, ready to row me in
his little boat, that I might examine the beauties of the lake
to the greatest advantage. I was pleased with the opportunity
of his company, and although his great talents have been
employed in a direction which I by no means approve, I ought
to acknowledge that his conversation was interesting and
instructive. Yet I could not but desire that the strong and
well informed mind of this man of genius, might be brought
under that sanctifying influence which can alone enable us to
devote all our faculties to the welfare of our fellow men, and
the glory of God."

182

STATE OF NEW YORK.

1839.

At Hamilton, in Madison county, " the seat of
one of the principal theological seminaries of the
Baptists," a large meeting was held in the Baptist
meeting-house which was attended by the Professors
of the college, and about one hundred and fifty of
the students.

" It was an interesting audience," he writes, " and our
Saviour's words were, I trust, not remembered in vain, ' This
is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ whom thou hast sent.' Before leaving the place next
morning, I rode up to the college, which is well placed on a
commanding hill, about a mile from the town, and had an
interview, in the chapel, with the young men and their
teachers ; the elderly president, Dr. Kendrick, being also
present. It was a memorable occasion, during which many
of the young men were brought into great tenderness of
feeling. Several of them were about to engage in the work
of the missionary ; nor could I doubt that they were under
the preparing hand of that Saviour, whose name they were
desirous of proclaiming in far distant lands. Certain it is
that unless He sends them forth to their field of labour, and
qualifies them for their work, their ardent wishes to serve
their fellow men will all be in vain."

After various engagements of a similar nature at
New Hartford, Clinton, Westmoreland, Utica, and
Rome — the last "a handsome busy village, destitute
of all ancient reminiscences, but, like Utica, teem-
ing with hope for the future;" he writes in his
Journal : —

Near Sector, TomJeins county, 7th mo., 13th. Reached
Skaneateles on seventh day ; two meetings there on first day.
Second day, ride by the side of the lake ; return by railroad
to Syracuse ; good public meeting. Third, to Auburn by

vET. 51.

HECTOR ; FARMINGTON ; ROCIIESTEK.

183

railroad ; memorable time with G50 prisoners ; public meeting
in the evening. Fourth, fifth, and sixth days, meetings at
Scipio ; all remarkable times, the last especially so. Many
visits paid to families. Last evening, an excellent public
meeting at Aurora. This day concluded my service at Scipio ;
and a ride of thirty-five miles of rare beauty in parts, round
the head of Lake Cayuga, and by Ithaca, lias brought us
hither.

Seneca Falls, 7th mo., lGth. [At Hector] we had two open,
searching meetings, morning and afternoon. Yesterday, a
delightful ride with a company of Friends, to the falls of the
Tekennie, a mountain stream, which has forced its way
through wondrous chasms of clay-slate, into Cayuga lake ;
the Fall is 210 feet high. In the early evening to Ithaca ;
poorly in body, and much discouraged about myself ; but,
notwithstanding this state of things, and pouring rain, we
had, through mercy, a large and good meeting. We rose at
half-past four this morning*, and a delightful voyage by steam-
boat, of forty miles down the beautiful Cayuga lake, brought
us within three miles of this large village, where we find
ourselves stopped for a public meeting.

After spending a few days among the Friends in
the village of Farmington, and in the adjacent
district, he writes in his Journal: —

Rochester, first day, 1th mo., 28th. After passing through
times of deep discouragement, I find myself not slain, but
alive to a little blessed hope. The week has been one of
'great and varied exercise of mind ; rendered the more difficult
by a continued measure of indisposition, and some anxious
thoughts and feelings as to my bodily capacity for getting
through the work before me. Last first day, at Farmington ;
a memorable time ; two large overflowing meetings ; that in the
afternoon, from pressure of the multitude, held in the Hicksite
meeting-house. I think they were good times ; truth being
triumphant, and Christ fully preached.

184

ROCHESTER.

1839.

"In the city of Rochester," he observes in one of his
letters, "we spent two days, including the first day of
the week, in the midst of a small and agreeable society
of Friends. The Methodist meeting-house here is of great
size, and was thronged at our public meeting in the even-
ing, by an orderly but promiscuous multitude. There
are, in Rochester, upwards of twenty convenient places of
worship, affording at once accommodation for the whole
population, and resistless evidence of the energy of the
voluntary system. The number of inhabitants is now about
20,000. The falls of the picturesque Genesee river are very
grand and striking, and afford the vast water power which has
produced the prosperity of the city. Thirty years ago, this
place was a wilderness. It is now a large town of remaiiable
beauty and prosperity; and what it will be thirty years hence,
if its present rate of progress be continued, it is difficult for
any one to conceive. The prospect which is enjoyed from
Mount Hope — a wooded hill two miles distant, now used as
the public cemetery — of the city with its numerous spires;
of the Genesee, winding its way through a rich valley ; and
of Lake Ontario, in the distance, has left a vivid picture on
my mind, not easily to be effaced. It is that of a country \
richly favoured by nature, and bursting into prosperity.

" Before we left Rochester, we held a meeting with the
prisoners in the jail. Amongst them was William L. Mac-
kenzie, one of the restless authors of the late rebellion in
Canada. He conducts one of the newspapers at Rochester ;
and, being a citizen of the United States, had been condemned
by the supreme court of the Union, to eighteen months
imprisonment, for the breach of his neutrality. He appeared
an acute and intelligent person; his spacious forehead
betokening the great mental power which he has at his com-
mand, either for good or evil. I could by no means approve the
exertions which were then making for his deliverance from a con-
finement which he described as being intensely irksome to him."

On leaving Bochester, Joseph John Gurney was
engaged for several days in attending the few

jet. 51-52.

TONAWANTA INDIANS.

185

scattered meetings of Friends, to the north and
east, at Elba, Selby, Hartland, and Somerset.
From Selby, he visited the neighbouring settlement
of Tonawanta Indians.

TO HIS CHILDREN.

Michael Robson's, Hartland, 8th mo., 3rd, 1839.

Our public meeting at Selby, on fifth day morning, was as
large as we could expect, considering that all hands are
occupied in the abundant harvest. We spent the re-
mainder of the day in calls upon some of the Friends,
including a dying widow, who was quietly anchored in
the hope and faith of the Christian. Late in the evening
we came to the house of some Friends from Yorkshire,
who, with their interesting sons, -have flourished in America,
both temporally and spiritually ; but they have, like others, to
work for it with their own hands. This is an indispensable
condition. "We started, after an early breakfast, yesterday
morning for Tonawanta, twelve miles, partly through a vast
wooded swamp, with corderoy roads, for about two miles.
Then we were obliged to walk, and regaled ourselves as we
went along, with wild raspberries, which grow there in great
profusion. The swamp is gay with the very pretty wild rose
of this country, quite a noble shrub ; I observed one bush
thirty feet in circumference.

Two Friends had preceded us the evening before, to prepare
our way; and when we arrived at the Indian village, we found
that the chief had held a council, and formally agreed to their
proposals for a meeting ; runners being sent out to summon
the people. The reservation is ten miles in length and two
broad ; a pretty fertile tract of country, and fairly cultivated.
The Tonawanta Indians live entirely by farming ; and we saw
many fine fields of wheat, oats, and corn, and a good many
beautiful cows ; but their habits are somewhat indolent, and
nothing under their hands bespeaks our advanced condition
of civilization. Their dwellings, sometimes log and sometimes
frame, (you will understand the difference, the former of

1SG

TONAWANTA INDIANS.

1889.

unsawn timber, the latter of boards,) are scattered about
over the lands, which they hold in common, not in severalty.
They are far superior to Irish hovels, and more cleanly
than I expected. Our first call was at the house of the
"Black Chief," a comfortable abode; a large vessel in which
they pound the Indian corn was standing at his door. lie
was absent, but his squaw and her family looked much at
their ease, and took but small notice of us. The squaws
glided away whenever our carriage approached them, seeming
quite devoid of curiosity and averse to being seen. I made
entry, however, into one of their cottages, and quite enjoyed
nursing a noble little brown baby, which one of them had in
her lap. The mother and grandmother of the child were
there ; cleanly, and of fine stature and features ; with their
lank, black, glossy hair neatly bound about their heads. But
few of these can speak any English. We then drove through
a picturesque wood to the peaceful abode of the Baptist
missionary, who, on the edge of the reservation, (no white
man is allowed to settle on it,) keeps a school for the Indian
children, where they are educated, boarded, and clothed at the
expense of the Baptist Missionary Society. There were only
fourteen in the school, but during the winter they had forty
under their care, and I have no doubt these pious people have
been useful ; though the effect produced is far from being
all that could be desired. They have the care of a farm of
120 acres, and we sat down with them and their labourers,
including some well-behaved Indians, to their humble fare.
Nothing drunk by these hard labourers but water ; the Indians
working at a dollar a day in harvest time, (the same rate as
the whites,) and half a dollar at other times. At ten
o'clock we proceeded to the missionary meeting-house, where
they had agreed to hold the meeting. It was a curious scene.
Johnson, (said to be the principal chief of the six nations,) the
Black Chief, and some other of these princes of the earth
were there ; many other men ; and a company of squaws,
neatly attired in their white blankets, thrown somewhat
gracefully over their persons. Most of the men were dressed
like the Americans ; but a few in the Indian costume. The

JET. 52.

TONAWANTA INDIANS.

187

meeting was begun by a handsome young chief, who spoke
with great seriousness, to advise the people (as we were told)
to behave with due attention and decorum. Then rose the
venerable looking Black Chief, a swarthy old man, to com-
municate the decision of the council, and to give us their
welcome. Soon afterwards I rose, the interpreter standing
beside me, and was enabled to preach Christ to them, I
trust, with plainness ; the interpreter translating sentence by
sentence. About an hour was thus occupied ; and though I
felt the peculiar difficulty of addressing such uncultivated
beings, yet I wras mercifully helped through, and the meeting
ended comfortably. Some of them were very attentive, and
expressed a good deal of pleasure ; but the general demeanour
was on a par with the unemphatic monotonous sound of their
language ; displaying but little excitement of any kind. On
the whole, I left them with rather affecting impressions, with
the fear that, in most respects, they have suffered grievously
from their association with those who call themselves
Christians.

The American spirit-shops on the very borders of the
settlement, (they seem to have none of their own,) are
sources of irreparable injury; and now there is every
probability that they will be cheated out of their reservation,
and driven into the far West. Alas ! for the treachery and
iniquity of our species ! What a base creature is man without
grace ! I heartily wish Friends may continue their attentions to
them, as they have the highest respect for the " descendants "
of William Penn.

After visiting Niagara, Joseph John Gurney
proceeded to Buffalo, where he held a large meeting
in one of the principal chapels. It is here that the
Erie canal joins the lake, a circumstance which
gives to Buffalo much of its importance. The. canal
is 360 miles in length, uniting the waters of Lake
Erie with those of the Hudson; and was formed

188

UFPER CANADA.

1839.

under the auspices of the late De Witt Clinton.
Governor of the State of New York. This extra-
ordinary work, observes Joseph John Gurney, "may
be in great part ascribed to the unceasing exertions
of two excellent Friends, the late Thomas Eddy
and John Murray, both of New York. It is found
to be of constantly increasing importance ; so much
so that the present width of the canal is wholly
insufficient for the traffic upon it."

Having attended the Quarterly Meeting of
Friends at Lockport, Joseph John Gurney and
his companion went forward on their journey
towards Upper Canada. The rebellion that had
recently taken place in that province had left the
population in a very unsettled state. " In con-
sequence," says Joseph John Gurney, "of the
premature publication of Lord Durham's able
report, the disaffected party had adopted his name,
and were availing themselves of the .circumstance
in order to keep up a continued excitement. The
spirit of many, on both sides, appeared lamentably
bad; and Avherever we went we found ourselves
constrained to plead for the cause of good order
and Christian moderation." Taking the steamboat
to Hamilton, at the western extremity of Lake
Ontario, they went forward a distance of sixty miles
westward to Norwich, " a fertile country district,
pretty well cleared and cultivated," where there is
a numerous settlement of Friends. Thence, by way
of Toronto, they proceeded to Yonge Street, a
journey of 130 miles, where the Half-year's meet-
ing of Friends of Upper Canada was about to
assemble.

JET. 52.

UPPER CANADA.

189

Brantford, 8th mo., 22nd. We have passed a good time at
Norwich. Two large meetings on first day, in which I had
to proclaim Christ and his peaceable reign against all tumult
and factions. I afterwards found that many of the rebels
were present; I also prayed for the Queen. Greatly overdone
at night. Second and third days spent in quiet and satisfactory
family visiting. Fourth day, another large meeting ; and a
very plain address to Friends on several practical points,
especially education. This morning, with a company of
Friends, we started (three wagon loads) on our journey to
Yonge Street ; and are now, after a few family visits by the
way, stopping at a quiet tavern here, for a public meeting in
the evening.

Second day, 8th mo., 26th. I am favoured this morning,
in some good measure, to go on my way rejoicing ; trusting
in the Lord. The public meeting at Brantford last fifth day
was small, but passed off comfortably. Seventh day ; delightful
voyage by a good steamer to Toronto. Arrived about noon, at
that large, and not very thriving town of 10,000 inhabitants.
Yesterday was rather a remarkable Sabbath. Our company
sat down together in the morning for religious worship, to
our refreshment ; then a call on Sir George Arthur, the
Governor ; very satisfactory conversation with him, and a
correction of some misapprehensions respecting Friends. At
three o'clock a large public meeting ; very attentive. I had to
unfold the constitution, government, and laws of the " king-
dom of heaven," as revealed to us in Scripture, against all
factions, broils, and contentions. I spent the evening
pleasantly with the Governor and his family. We were
favoured with a solemn Scripture reading. I was much
pleased with their simplicity.

"At Toronto," he writes in one of his letters, "I was glad
to form an acquaintance with Hiram Wilson, the excellent
agent of the American Anti-slavery Society, who was watch-
ing over the interests of the negroes in Canada. About 100
slaves per month were at that time making their escape into
this land of freedom. It gave me pleasure to aid him in

190

UPPER CANADA.

1839

promoting the formation of schools for the Christian edu-
cation of their children. The Friends of New York Yearly
Meeting had already subscribed a considerable sum for the
furtherance of this object.

♦ * 3§B %z sf: afe

" The half year's meeting [at Yonge Street] was held in a
large rustic meeting house ; it occupied parts of three
successive days, and was an occasion of much interest. The
sincere and simple hearted people of whom it was composed,
excited my regard and sympathy. They had been exposed to
many troubles during tbe late political excitement. An
earnest desire appeared to prevail that the members of
our society, throughout the province, should keep clear of all
the jarring and tumults of political parties ; that they might
'study to be quiet and mind their own business.' This
indeed was already their general habit ; yet every one felt
that it was a day of temptation and difficulty. Two of their
young men had been thrown into jail at Hamilton, and
detained there for sixteen days in consequence of their being
unable, on conscientious grounds, to serve in the militia. The
subject was respectfully" urged on the attention of Sir George
Arthur, as it had been previously on that of Lord Durham ;
but I did not hear the result of either application.

" The attention of the Friends, at this meeting, was also
closely directed to the subject of education ; and it was
determined to take immediate steps towards the establishment
of a boarding school. The subscriptions made for the purpose,
throughout the province, were aided by funds from New York
and England ; and before we left Canada, an excellent house
and farm on the borders of Lake Ontario, admirably adapted
for a manual labour boarding school, were purchased for the
purpose."

In his Journal, after recording a few details of
his engagements at Yonge Street and the neigh-
bourhood, he concludes: —

9th mo., 1st. * * * 0 thou most gracious preserver of

2ET. 52.

UPPER CANADA.

101

men, be pleased to keep ine in perfect safety, both of body
and soul, as in the hollow of thy hand ; and let mc not move
a single step out of thy pure wisdom, I humbly beseech thee.
Enable me to maintain my integrity through good report and
evil report. Let my words and works be all of thee, and
therefore all thine ; and for a purpose of thy own glory.
Let my robes be washed white in the blood of the Lamb ;
calm my natural irritability ; allay and subdue my fears ;
renew, confirm, and increase my faith. Let me ever realize
thy power, thy love, thy presence ; let me live, and walk,
and rest in Jesus ; restore me in due season, I humbly
pray thee, if it seem good in thy sight, to my family and
friends. Give more abundant grace to my precious children ;
guide us all by thy counsel ; and afterwards receive us into
thy glory, for Christ's sake, Amen.

After some weeks of diligent exertion, Joseph
John Gurney completed his labours in Upper
Canada ; and, crossing Lake Ontario, spent a few
days, previously to returning southwards, at
Oswego, in the State of New York. Whilst here
he writes in his Journal: —

9th mo., 29th. [I have been] much occupied by finishing
two important documents. First, an epistle to Friends of
Michigan. I hope and believe I had a little of the true
unction in preparing this document ; but it has cost me some
close exercise of mind.* Secondly, long letter or report to Sir
George Arthur, respecting various points in Upper Canada.
We had hoped to sail for Sackett's harbour, with a view to
Friends at Le Ray on fifth day ; but have been impeded by
the continued rough and stormy weather, together with an
apprehension that my service was not complete in this place.

* The object of this Epistle was to point out the scriptural
accuracy and practical importance of the views of Friends, especially
on worship and the ministry; and their accordance, and necessary
oonnexion, with the fundamental truths of the Gospel.

192

NEW YORK ; PHILADELPHIA.

1839

The mournful news has here reached me of the unexpected
death of my long loved and truly faithful and loving friend,
Sarah Buxton. Oh how I feel for dear Anna Gurney ! And
it is a true affliction to myself. Would that there were less of
selfishness in my sorrow !

He was now looking forward to the prospect of
spending the winter in the West Indies, for which
purpose he expected to sail from New York in the
11th month. The intervening time was principally
occupied in various engagements in the neighbour-
hood of New York and Philadelphia, and in
attending, for a second time, the Yearly Meeting
at Baltimore : —

Albany, 10th mo., 1st. We are here at the Temperance
house, after a fine journey through the valley of the Mohawk :
my friend Dr. Sprague being absent. I called on his dear
children ; and felt happy in the house of " the good man,"
though its master was away. I have been tried a good deal
during the day with doubts and fears, lest I should in any
way have unduly turned my back on the Lord's work. But
this evening I am at rest, in the renewed, humble, and con-
soling belief that all is well.

New York, 10th mo., 1th. On sixth day, clown the Hudson,
to this city, where, in the house [of my faithful companion]
Henry Hinsdale, our cup of peace overflowed. Yesterday
was deeply interesting ; two good meetings ; between them
read my Michigan Letter to Richard and Anne Mott, to their
entire satisfaction ; after the afternoon meeting, a precious
time in William Waring's family in the sweet recollection of
dear Sarah Waring ; and after tea at E. Coggeshall's, a time
of prayer and intimate intercourse, never to be forgotten,
with her, Richard Mott, and Samuel Parsons. It was a most
sweet and confirming taste of heavenly things.

On the steam boat in going from New York to

JET. 52.

BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETING.

193

Philadelphia, he again met with Martin Van Buren,
the President of the United States.

"He kindly recognized me," writes Joseph John Gurney,
" and I was glad of the opportunity of conversing with him on
a variety of interesting topics. He fully agreed in my view
of the importance of the daily use of the Bible in the common
schools, as well as on the subject of mildness in prison
discipline ; listened with pleasure to a description which I
gave him, (in answer to his inquiries,) of Wilberforce and
Buxton, and spoke with feeling on the subject of the African
slave trade. He allowed me, at the same time, to press upon
him the claims of the afflicted slaves. When the voluntary
system in religion was mentioned, he justly observed that ' no
other system was possible in America.' He was without
any attendant except his son ; but neither the simplicity of
his mode of travelling nor that of his manners, interfered with
his maintaining a certain dignified demeanour corresponding
with his station. On parting, I presented him with the
daily text book, published by my sister Elizabeth Fry. He
was well acquainted with her character and objects, and
received the gift with the easy politeness for which he is
so remarkable."

Referring to his attendance of the Yearly Meet-
ing at Baltimore, he writes in his Journal : —

11th mo., 9th. [From] second day (the 28th ult.,) to
fifth day inclusive, the Yearly Meeting ; a really good time.
My returning certificate passed in the meeting of ministers and
elders with full unity. Meeting for worship on fourth day ;
a very open time ; the doctrine of the supper fully developed.
Meetings interspersed with good visits to Friends, and on the
whole I had ample cause for believing that I had been again
favoured to find my right place.

"As I continued," he remarks in one of his letters, "to
Vol. II. — 13

194

BALTIMORE.

1839.

feel a lively interest in the welfare of the Ilicksite commu-
nity in those parts, and could not obtain the use of the
meeting-house which they occupy, for the purpose of a public
meeting with them, I thought it right to spend a day or two,
during this visit to Baltimore, in writing a Christian address
to that body. My object was to explain to the young people
and others, the difference of sentiment, on points of the
most fundamental character, which subsists between their
leaders and the Society of Friends ; and to call upon them to
accept the Saviour of men in all his gracious offices : showing
them, that it is by faith in him that we obtain the glorious
gift of everlasting life. This address was approved by the
Friends, printed, and extensively circulated ; and I venture to
entertain the hope, that it has been blessed to some at
Baltimore, and in other parts of the country. Sure I am
that it was written under feelings of Christian affection,
and with a hearty desire for their spiritual and eternal
welfare.

jET. 52.

DEPARTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.

195

CHAPTER XXXIV.

1839—40. jet. 52.

departure from new york; voyage ; arrival at santa cruz j
st. thomas ; tortola; st. christophers; antigua; dominica;
letter from thomas fowell buxton; jamaica; result of
investigations ; address to the planters ; havana ; return
to america.

Accompanied by his friend Mahlon Day of New
York, Joseph John Gurney sailed from that city,
in the Camilla, for Santa Cruz, on the 22nd of the
11th month. So many of the details of this voyage
and of his visit to the West India Islands, are given
in the volume which he subsequently published,*
that it seems unnecessary to add much to the
comparatively brief outline contained in his
Journal.

l\th mo., 22nd. Under a bright sun, with a favourable
breeze, and with peace and ease of mind, we sailed about ten
o'clock, and have since quite enjoyed the day. The scenery
of the Bay, and in passing through the Narrows, beautiful ;
then the highlands of Jersey ; and now, the sun having just
set in splendour, we are fairly at sea, out of sight of land.

Many warm and dear friends have I left in America, but
have no feeling on my mind, of having permanently parted

* See Winter in the West Indies.

196

VOYAGE TO THE

1839.

from them, though for the present, my service there is
closed.

With regard to the objects now in view, there are three,
which severally in their distinct degrees, and very fully in
their combination, seem to justify the devotion of the coming
■winter, to these "Isles afar off." The first is health — for I
believe it is desirable, if not needful for me, to avoid another
■winter in North America. Secondly — slavery, a view for
myself of the working of emancipation, with the design of
subsequently reporting it ; and, I hope that there ■will therein
be a full answer to my dear sister Fry's prayer, that my
mission might be blessed to the cause of liberty, as well as to
that of religion. Thirdly, and above all, the gospel mission.
May it please the Lord to preserve me in safety, and to bless
the mission to all these objects ! I have earnestly prayed,
that he would be pleased to deliver me from all fears, and
from all cares. It is indeed an affecting farther recession
from home, and from my children and family circle. I have
heartily committed them and all my concerns to the Lord.
Deeply and inexpressibly unworthy as I am, I now and then
catch a glimpse of glory to come. The truth of these pros-
pects is wonderfully confirmed to my mind, by the realizing
of the touches of his holy hand in this pilgrimage. I can
and do pray, that he will permit and enable me to bring the
whole of this transatlantic mission to a sound and satisfactory
conclusion. Hitherto he has wonderfully helped and guided
me. I must not, will not, distrust him.

12th mo., 1st. We have sped along finely on our voyage,
having been favoured with an uninterrupted fair wind, being
now in 22 deg. north latitude, enjoying a delightful trade
wind ; the sky clear, the sea quiet, and the temperature deli-
cious. It is cause for true thankfulness that we have been
permitted to hold our meetings to-day to our comfort. That
in the cabin this morning, with our whole company of pas-
sengers, very satisfactory and relieving to me. Then with the
sailors ; and, in the afternoon, Scripture reading, &c, on deck.
This evening has been one of quiet leisure. I hope a degree
of thankfulness clothes my spirit. The Lord be praised !

JET. 52.

WEST INDIES.

107

TO HIS CHILDREN.

Vlth mo., 3rd. At sea ; on board the Camilla. We are
moving along very slowly this morning, perhaps at the rate
of two miles per hour ; the weather delicious ; but our ex-
pectations of seeing land have not been realized ; I question
whether they will be before to-morrow or next day. I trust
it is in the ordering of a gracious Providence that I am now
enjoying a delightful, settled summer, instead of the capricious
beginnings of a North American winter. May we be enabled
entirely and unfeignedly to put our trust in the " Shepherd
of Israel !" I rose between four and five this morning,
being called by the captain to take a view of "the Cross,"
the favourite constellation of the southern hemisphere. The
sight which I obtained of it, before a cloud obscured it, was
too transient to allow of my saying much for its beauty ; but
the four stars of which it is composed were not very striking
to my eye. I enjoyed a finer spectacle when I turned towards
the east ; the almost expiring Moon, Venus, and Mars, were
in all their splendour ; and the profusion of azure, lilac, ultra-
marine, pea-green, orange, and crimson, which mantled the
sky about half an hour before sunrise, I certainly never saw
equalled. One of our sailors displayed symptoms yesterday
both of thievishness and mutiny, and after a pretty violent
conflict, was tied up to be flogged. The execution of the
sentence, at our intercession, was remitted ; and the spirited
conduct of the captain, ending ^ with an act of clemency,
seems to have worked well.

Fourth day afternoon, 12th mo., 4th. About noon yesterday
we caught our first sight of land, viz., of the Virgin Gorda,
a rocky island, of two cones, of considerable elevation, unin-
habited, and like the rest of the Virgin Islands, evidently of
volcanic origin. Soon after, Tortola, St. John's, and St.
Thomas, came into view, but at a great distance. The first
sight of the West Indies could not fail to be very interesting
to my feelings. In the afternoon we were entertained by the
appearance of a " sea lawyer," i.e., a shark of noble dimensions.

198

SANTA CRUZ.

1839.

■which followed the vessel for a lonrr time ; the first I ever
saw ; his broad head, agile body, and flapping green fins,
were quite a spectacle ; and I saw his little myrmidon fishes
■which accompanied him on his journey ; little blue creatures,
striped with pink. Various attempts were made to entrap
him ; but though evidently attracted by the bait, he seemed to
have a perfect notion of the hook within, and refused to be
caught. It is his known discernment and cunning that have
imparted to him the name of Lawyer. The scene on early
rising this morning was lovely : the sky was again gloriously
adorned, and the southern Cross, which I found I had not
truly seen before, shone forth beautifully ; four stars thus
arranged • * *. The islands of Virgin Gorda, Tortola, St.
John's, and St. Thomas, with their peaked volcanic tops full
in sight, at the distance of about twenty miles ; the extreme
clearness of the atmosphere producing an apparent nearness.
They were seen in the west. In the far distant east were just
discernible the lofty mountains of Porto Rico, where, alas !
slavery exists in its worst form.

Sixth day 12th mo., 6th. We have just landed at the
little town of West End, Santa Cruz, two weeks from the
time of weighing anchor at New York. The approach to
this beautiful island was singularly interesting ; fine conical
hills and mountains cultivated to their tops, partly red where
the hoe had been at work, and partly bright green with the
sugar canes. Cocoa nut trees, with their strange looking but
elegant deciduous branches scattered over the scene. Neat
settlements of the planters visible in different places, consist-
ing of a handsome dwelling, a mill for grinding the canes,
sugar boiling houses, and neat-looking negro huts in the dis-
tance. I have made several sketches on board ship, and fear I
shall fill my sketch-books somewhat too rapidly. We have
obtained excellent accommodation at Rebecca Rogers' boarding-
house, where our dear friend Mary Parsons died last year,
and are greeted on our arrival by Samuel Parsons, jun., who
is here on business ; he intends sailing to-night for New York,
which affords an excellent opportunity for my sending this
despatch.

JET. 52.

SANTA CRUZ.

199

Santa Cruz, it will be recollected, is one of the
islands belonging to Denmark. "The slaves,"
remarks Joseph John Gurney, in the volume above
alluded to, "form about four-fifths of the popula-
tion, and are in number about 19,000. Time was,
when the treatment to which they were exposed
was harsh and severe ; and then their numbers
were constantly declining. Of late years, however,
the Danish government has instituted various re-
strictions which have ameliorated the condition of
the slaves. :': * * [Yet] the degradation occasioned
by slavery in the Danish islands — the low physical,
intellectual, and moral condition of the slaves, as
compared with those of the liberated negroes of the
British islands, is obvious and unquestionable."

Santa Cruz, 12th mo., 8th. We have been holding a good
meeting in the airy hall of our lodgings, this morning ; about
forty present ; there seemed rather an unusual opening for
service among them.. The black servants of the house pre-
sent, and the boarders from some other houses. I must, with
all gratitude, acknowledge that I feel no inconsiderable com-
fort and happiness in being here ; wonderfully divested of
anxiety, and enjoying the indescribably balmy breezes. There
is a fanning of the nerves in it, which is certainly very
pleasurable ; but I humbly trust, that the sources of my
happiness lie deeper. My companions, in their respective
places, are truly valuable. I think I could not be better
suited than by Mahlon Day, a friend and brother indeed.

12th mo., 11th. We held good and relieving meetings on
first day ; at our own quarters in the morning ; and at
Elizabeth Boyle's in the afternoon. In the evening read the
Scriptures at Captain Godwin's. We had obtained, as we
supposed, the sanction of the Judge (Anderson) for these com-
paratively private religious services. But the next day great
difficulties were made about them by the police, and a formal

200

SANTA CRUZ.

1830.

order sent to each of the boarding houses to prevent them.
This was very trying to my feelings, but I could not accuse
myself of having acted otherwise than prudently. Yesterday,
we went to Bassin, the other end of the island — a fine drive ;
and were introduced by our friend David Rogers, the American
consul, to Governor Sobotkcr, who received us civilly ; but after
expressing that he had no objection to our meetings at the
boarding houses, subsequently confirmed the Judge's order ;
so that our way is so far hedged up, but some opening seems
to arise for our using the Episcopalian chapel.

l'2th mo., 19th. Last first day was one of much quietness ;
and we have since formed several interesting Christian ac-
quaintances. Our proposal for holding public meetings is
acceded to by the Government, and we look to next first day
for the accomplishment of the object. I feel the weight of it
very much. May we be graciously helped through ! Last
evening I attended a religious meeting held by Luccock with
Sabbath-school teachers. It was large. I spoke freely on
several points, especially "waiting:" and prayed at the con-
clusion of the meeting. This was much to my relief.

12th mo., 20th. It is not easy or familiar work to be
engaged, as I now am, in these' tropical regions ; and I some-
times feel my total separation from all my friends more than
a little. Yet I have great cause for thankfulness that my
way has hitherto been graciously made, and that we are
favoured with the rich blessing of health. Last first day, the
22nd, we held large meetings at West End and Bassin, and
afterwards enjoyed some very pleasant intercourse with our
friends on the island, especially with the many kind and
zealous ones in the neighbourhood of West End. Our parting
seemed without a cloud.

After a visit of nearly three weeks, Joseph John
Gurney left Santa Cruz, and proceeded to St.
Thomas, an island which also belongs to the
crown of Denmark.

ffiT. 52.

ST. THOMAS; TORTOLA.

201

St. Thomas, 12th mo., 2dth. We left West End on fourth
day, 25th, in a schooner for this place, where we arrived on
fifth day morning. The beauty of the scenery here is great,
but commerce and pleasure seem to engross and absorb the
population of this emporium of the West Indies. We have
been kindly treated by Edward Simmons and his family,
from Philadelphia ; and have enjoyed some pleasant hours with
them, including his son-in-law, Frederick Peniston, and his
wife. Abraham Lebagh, the Dutch Reform minister, has been
very obliging, and lends us his place of worship for our public
meeting, giving up his own service for it. Thus our way is
again open. 0 that grace and power may be given to me, to
make known the everlasting riches which are in Christ, for the
benefit of some immortal souls !

Referring to Tortola, the island next visited, he
remarks, "Ave could not but feel an intense interest
in making our first visit to a British island, peopled
with emancipated negroes. Out of a population of
nearly five thousand there are scarcely more than
two hundred white persons ; but we heard of no
inconvenience arising from this disparity."

Tortola, 1st mo., 5th, 1840. Again I have to record many
mercies. Our meeting at St. Thomas', on first day, was held
to our satisfaction, and apparently to that of the people. On
third day we set sail, from that island, and reached this port
on fourth day morning to breakfast. We have spent an
uncommonly pleasant and interesting time here, having been
warmly received by our friends Isaac Thomas, William Rogers,
Judge Wigley, Dr. Dyett, Dr. Stovo, R. V. Shew, J. Dubois,
and many others, including Drummond Hay, the young
president. We have ridden about this romantic island in
every direction, and have enjoyed the high pleasure of finding
the cause of free labour going on well, Avithout a single com-
plaint. The eA'idence of this fact has poured in upon us.

To-day Ave have been blessed with excellent meetings. In

202

tortola; st. Christopher's.

1840.

the morning at the Methodist chapel; large attendance of
hlack labourers, all well dressed ; the gentry also there. This
afternoon at the African settlement, under a tamarind tree,
we met a community of free Africans, taken out of slave-ships :
a most willing-hearted and attentive audience, 200 or 300.
Thus we have abundant cause for thankfulness, and I feel
much relieved, and favoured with sweet peace.

In the volume above noticed, he observes : —

Tortola was once the seat of a little society of Friends, and
one of our most eminent travelling ministers of former days,
Thomas Chalkley, found there a field of labour, and a grave.
There are no members of the Society now on the Island, but
there is a small community of black people settled as tenants
in common, on an estate once belonging to Samuel and Mary
Nottingham, Quakers of high character. About sixty years
ago they liberated their slaves from conscientious motives, and
gave them their estate at Longlook, on the eastern coast.
A letter of Christian advice, addressed to their predecessors,
by these pious persons, then living at Bristol, is still cherished
by the Negroes on the property, about sixty in number, and
held as a sort of title-deed to the estate.* We had great
pleasure in visiting them. Their land is on the brow of a
mountain, and a considerable part of it is well cultivated
with yams and other vegetables. We held a religious meeting
with them, in the largest of their cottages, and were entirely
satisfied with their respectable appearance and behaviour.

Having pursued their voyage to St. Christopher's,
Joseph John Gurney writes: —

Second day, 1st mo., 13th. We arrived safely at St. Kitts
on sixth day morning, after a noble sail by Anguilla, St. Mar-

* See a copy of this letter in the Appendix, at pp. 233, 234, of
the Winter in the West Indies.

JET. 52.

ST. CHRISTOFHER*?.

203

tin's, Saba, St. Bartholomew's, St. Eustatia. The approach to
St. Kitts magnificent ; the Monkey Mountain, 3600 feet high,
covered with wood ; and the appearance of prosperous cultiva-
tion in the plains, very cheering ; eleven vessels in the harbour
waiting for sugars.

On our landing we soon found that dangerous bilious fever
pervaded the town, Basseterre, and were greatly disappointed
at learning that Charles Cunningham, the governor, was
absent. Finding no lodging in the town, we took up our
quarters at the delightful government house, on the invitation
of the Secretary and the President of the Council. There we
continued, kindly cared for by the steward, until this morning,
and three interesting days we have had.

Seventh day. Bide before breakfast; call on Bobt. Claxton,
the Solicitor-General ; spent the morning in a ride with A. Burt,
over the hills to Cayon, where I had much satisfaction in visit-
ing the Moravian settlement under the care of brother Miinzer.
In the course of this day I obtained much important and
highly encouraging information respecting the free labourers,
and the general prosperity of the colony. The Methodists and
Moravians are doing great things on this island, their labours
tell on vast masses of the population.

Yesterday was, I trust, a favoured sabbath. Large
meeting at the Methodist meeting-house at eleven o'clock.
Spiritual religion declared to an intelligent and willing-
hearted audience. Afterwards called on B. B. Cleghorn,
stipendiary magistrate, who was ill with the fever ; very
interesting communication with him on slavery. In the
evening we had a good meeting in the Moravian chapel,
which was filled to excess ; great numbers about the
house. It left me tired, but easy in mind. This morning
we have enjoyed interesting seasons with the household
at the Governor's ; with the lively, intelligent children at
the Moravian school; with A. Burt and his wife; and
finally with a company of sailors on the sea-shore. "VVe
are now embarked for Antigua, and may probably call at
Montserrat.

Antigua, 1st mo., lQth. After a favourable voyage of two

204

ANTIGUA ; DOMINICA.

1840.

days and nights, we landed here yesterday morning, and have
renewed cause for humble gratitude for the protection and
loving-kindness of our Lord. Soon after our arrival, James
Cox, the exemplary Methodist minister, kindly granted me
the use of his chapel for a public meeting in the evening, at
their usual time. A large number of persons attended, and I
think it was a quiet satisfactory meeting. I feel a great desire
that in these successive services I may be preserved on the
true ground, and that I may be graciously favoured with yet
more of the true anointing. This morning, a precious time
of prayer followed our morning reading, in our retirement in
my own chamber. Kind calls from James Gordon, once of
Runcton, and from Archdeacon Davis.

At Antigua Joseph John Gurney was detained
several weeks, partly by indisposition. The evi-
dence there afforded him of the beneficial effects
of emancipation was very satisfactory. Amongst
other interesting and benevolent individuals with
whom he became acquainted, he enjoyed frecpaent
opportunities of intercourse with the Governor,
Sir Wni. Colebrooke, who "seemed," he remarks,
" to derive pleasure from freely imparting his just
and admirable views of Colonial policy, founded on
the immutable basis of Christian principle."

Writing at Dominica, the island next visited, he
says : —

2nd mo., 2nd. Finding myself much recovered, I fell to
work again ; and on fourth day (the 29th ult.) visited the jail
and house of correction, and held little meetings in each,
accompanied by Chief Justice Nanton, W. Marshall, Dr. Wood,
&c. Then the endowed grammar school ; then the Moravians
and their school, pleasant and satisfactory interview ; then,
after an early dinner, to the Solicitor-General, Robert Hors-
ford, at Dewitt's, a pleasant call ; and, in the evening, a long

JET. 52.

DOMINICA.

205

call from Sir William Colcbrooke, and further documents to
look over.

On fifth day morning, sailed for this island, which, after a
rough, sea-sick, but otherwise favourable voyage, we reached
on sixth day night. We landed before breakfast yesterday
morning, and were comfortably housed and boarded at Maria
Dalrymple's. There we found some interesting coloured
brethren, with whom we took sweet counsel in the Truth,
enjoying a precious solemnity after breakfast ; the regular
ministers absent at their conference at St. Kitt's. Called on
Major Macphail, the Governor ; and afterwards, with our
young energetic coloured friends, rode about the luxuriant
romantic country until night overtook us. In the evening,
spent a very agreeable hour or two at the governor's.
Nothing can well exceed the beauty of this island, both on
approaching it by sea and in the interior. Nature is here
fertility embodied ; and freedom is working admirably, not-
withstanding the obstructions interposed in some matters by
self-will and old prejudices. ,

FROM THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON.

4J, Via Condotti, Rome,

January fith, 1810.

How passing strange it is that I should write
from Rome, addressing you in Barbadoes ! I wish we could
change places for a few days. Neither St. Peter's, nor the
Capitol, nor the dying gladiator, nor Apollo himself, all
beautiful as he is, are so interesting to me as would be the
sight of the negroes, working for their own benefit, and
sheltered by law from the lash of the cart-whip. It is a sight
I pant to behold. * * * *

I have enjoyed both the country, and the wonderful works
of art in Rome, more than I had any notion that I could.
Rome is, in truth, a wonderful place. There is hardly any-
thing more remarkable than the profusion of its treasures.
You go to a villa of which you have heard next to nothing,
and you see scattered in all directions a quarry of beautiful
cut marble. What must Rome have been in its glory, when

206

SANTA CRUZ.

1840.

its relics are so surpassing ? It must be remembered that
there is now only what the Goths, and the Dark Ages, and the
various conquerors have left. Everything bespeaks wonderful
intellect. But then — the base, cruel, cowardly ruffians — the
whole population pouring into the Coliseum to see two poor
captives hew one another to pieces ; and finding infinite
delight and merriment in such a holiday ! There too — close
by the theatre of their entertainment — is the dank prison in
which, according to a tradition which has some warrant,
Paul prayed and shivered. I wish the conquerors could have
known that more true and lasting renown would cleave to
that despised prisoner than to the chief of their immortal
heroes.

From Dominica Joseph John Gurney proceeded,
by way of Santa Cruz, to Jamaica. He had, at
one time, contemplated a visit to Barbadoes and
Trinidad. " There is, I confess," he writes in his
Journal, "a disappointment to the natural feelings
in not going forward ; but as, when Paul ' assayed to
go into Bithynia, the Spirit suffered him not;' so I
think it is with me in the present case, as in former
instances during this pilgrimage."

Santa Cruz, 2nd mo., 16th. We arrived on third day, and
met with a cordial welcome. We have since visited several of
our friends, and have had remarkable religious opportunities
at each house. There seems scarcely a possibility now of our
getting to America in time for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
I must endeavour quietly to leave it. I have been striving to
do right, and if I have in any respect been mistaken, I trust
my dear Lord will overrule my infirmities for good ; and that
he will not take his Holy Spirit from me, or cast me away from
his divine presence.

At Sea, 2nd mo., 23rd. After the above entry, the Whit-
mores and some other friends sat down with us at our
lodgings, and, notwithstanding past difficulties, we were

MT. 52.

VOYAGE TO JAMAICA.

207

favoured with a precious meeting, and the police gave us no
farther molestation. In the afternoon we read with the
"slaves" of the house, and spent a highly interesting evening
at the Ruans. Many of the Santa Cruz gentry were there.
I read John xiv, and a very solemn meeting was held after-
wards ; I was in conclusion much engaged in prayer. It
seemed the crown to our religious labours in the island, and
left me happy and at ease.

On second day I completed the prospective arrangement
respecting the ship Whitmore, and our voyage from Jamaica,
and spent half an hour with General Sobotker, the governor,
with a view of giving him the result of our inspection of the
working of freedom in the islands we had visited. I hope the
interview answered some good purpose ; and I left a similar
report in writing with our friend Luccock, for General Von
Scholten, the governor-general, on his return to the island.
After interesting leave-taking visits from many of our friends,
who loaded us with kindness and presents, we set sail [in the
Eclipse] last third day afternoon with a fair breeze, and calm
and satisfied minds; having, through mercy, met with clear
evidence that our return to Santa Cruz had been timely and
right.

We have been favoured so far with a remarkably fine
voyage, having for the most part a favourable wind, and
have passed along under the southern coasts of Porto Rico
and Hayti. The latter being strange to all on board, and
our calculations of longitude being little more than guess-
work, we have been put to some difficulty. The opening upon
us of Alto Velo and Beata, sixty miles a-head of our cal-
culation, on sixth day afternoon, was very agreeable. We
then turned north-west, with a view of landing at Jaquemel
harbour, [in Hayti ;] but the next morning found our-
selves becalmed before a part of the coast which we were
wholly unable to ascertain. In the evening we moved west-
ward, and at night-fall came to a wild romantic spot, which so
far corresponded with my apprehensions of Jaquemel, that I
determined, notwithstanding a fair wind for progress, to stay
the vessel in its course until morning. The affair cost mo

208

ARRIVAL AT JAMAICA.

1840.

much deep feeling and even conflict, which was heightened
this morning, when upon farther inspection of the coast, I
became clearly convinced that we were before our proposed
harbour — a wild, desolate looking spot. The captain, mate, and
all the rest of the party were, however, of a different judgment,
and I gave leave for the vessel to be turned to her westward
course, a fair wind blowing freshly. Sure as I felt that we
had missed our port, and had thus lost the opportunity of the
visit to Hayti, I felt deeply tried and even afflicted for a time ;
but very soon an entire calm Avas most graciously brought
over my mind, and I became convinced that it was best for
me to proceed without delay towards Jamaica. Since then
we have had a splendid voyage along the remaining magnificent
coast of Hayti, and arc now on our way to Jamaica.

TO HIS CHILDREN.

On board the Eclipse, 2nd mo., 2nd, 1S40.

* * * * * ♦ •■'»■«

I am more preserved from anxiety respecting you than I
could have anticipated. I believe I have given you up to the
Lord, and he graciously enables me to feel confidence, that he
continues to care for you in body and in spirit. Most earnest
is my solicitude, deeply felt on this solemn Sabbath day, that
you may each of you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I beseech you to watch
unto prayer. Remember how ill your father could bear the
least departure, on your part, from that narrow path, in which
it becomes you to walk. Let us look cheerfully forward, in
submission to the Divine will, to the probability of our meeting
in the course of the present year, perhaps in the summer; and
let us individually strive to correct every undesirable habit,«that
we may find each other improved, intellectually, morally, and
spiritually. Then, sui-ely, our meeting will be joy indeed !

On his arrival at Kingston, in Jamaica, he had
the satisfaction of meeting his friends John and
Maria Candler, from England, who had been
already many weeks in the island, with the view

mi. 52.

KINGSTON.

209

principally, of applying a fund raised by the Society
of Friends, in England, for the benefit of the negro
population.

Kingston, Jamaica. First day evening, 3rd mo., 1st. We
landed here in safety, on fourth day morning, and were
warmly greeted by John and Maria Candler, and their friends.
Charles Lake, and William Anderson, of the legislature.
They had prepared very comfortable lodgings for us. We
have since spent two good evenings at John Candler's, with
several pious people.

Yesterday afternoon, visits to the House of Correction and
County Jail ; bad and insufficient prisons, the latter particularly :
but the meetings held there were I hope good times, especially
in the open yard of the jail ; interesting hour afterwards with
William and Lucy Anderson. To-day we have been favoured
with two very large meetings, about three thousand each ; one
at Samuel Oughton's Baptist meeting-house in tbc morning ;
an almost entirely black congregation ; and a very promiscuous
one at the Wesleyan meeting-house this afternoon. I hope
and believe that our divine Helper and Master was with us on
these occasions. I felt enabled to speak very plainly to the
coloured people in the morning ; in the afternoon, I had to set
forth the gospel remedy for all man's obliquities. In both
meetings the people were solid and attentive ; very quiet in
the times of silence.

Joseph John Gurney continued in Jamaica rather
more than four weeks. During most of this period,
besides attending to the various calls of religious
duty, he was diligently occupied in journeying
through the principal districts of the island, care-
fully investigating and noting the actual state of
thinus around him.

o

Spanish Town, 3rd mo., 5th. I rose on second day morning,
calm and peaceful. Excursion with John and Maria Candler,
Vol. II. — 14

210

JAMAICA.

1840.

to Papinc ; (Wildrnan's sugar estate ;) breakfasted with
W. Manning, catechist ; visit to Hope estate ; and to the
Independent negro village. Except at table after breakfast,
no religious service during the day. The information
respecting the negroes, in general, satisfactory ; returned
to Kingston in time to dine at George Atkinson's, at -whose
house we met others of the planters ; their information
favourable. Third and fourth days spent in a very interesting
expedition to Halberstadt coffee establishment, in the Port
Royal mountains. Evening ride to Bloxburgh estate ; good
accounts at both ; scenery delightful. Next morning, little
meeting after breakfast with many of the black people, and a
loud call extended to "depart from all iniquity;" fine ride
afterwards to Lucky Valley sugar and coffee estate, where we
were entertained by Hector M. Wood. Returned by the
beautiful falls of the Ealls river, between steep limestone
rocks, to the tavern where our carriage was left; thence to
Kingston, which place we left this morning with a view to a
fortnight's tour, intending to hold meetings here on first day.
I trust the Lord is still condescending to guide.

Sixth day morning. We had a noble anti-slavery meeting
last evening in Phillippo's chapel; a large assembly; much
good feeling ; some little violence of expression. I had to
advert to the practical points of the case, and to recommend
quietness, charity, industry, &c", all which was well received ;
and in the retrospect I feel peace. After breakfast this
morning, we were favoured spiritually to draw water together
from the living spring. Present, J. and M. Candler, Captain
Stewart, the American and Scottish missionaries ; and the
Baptist minister. Somewhat felt of that unity which is
beyond all questions of form and administration.

St. Anns Bay, 3rd mo., Vlth. I am writing from a beautiful
spot ; a fine view of the bay and little town ; the humming
birds flitting about ; the body rested by a good night ; the
mind easy.

On third day we reached Jericho ; a fine drive through
St. Thomas in the Vale ; passed by the notorious Rodney

JET. 52.

JAMAICA.

211

Hall workhouse, which it was no longer necessary to visit ;
arrived in pouring rain at the Baptist missionary's ; most
kindly taken in and entertained. Many hundreds of the
quondam slaves came to meeting in the evening. It was
a good lively time. We had a precious time of ministry, &c,
with the Merrick's and Phillippo's, who accompanied us so far,
yesterday morning, but we were too late in our start for this
place. We found the journey difficult, and could not get over
the ground with any speed, especially in passing over Mount
Diavolo. The rich, wooded scenery on the heights, and that
of the descent to Moneague, highly beautiful. It was with
extreme difficulty that we reached the Baptist chapel here just
as the people were dispersing. We were enabled to rally them,
and were favoured with a good, though short, meeting. The
message of the Lord was, I trust, delivered in some measure of
life and power. Nothing could exceed the loving attention of
the people.

Mount Carey, Thomas BurchelVs, 3rd mo., 16th. Fifth
day, peculiarly interesting ; fine journey, first through the
sugar grounds by the coast for seven or eight miles, all
appearing prosperous ; then up a mountain covered with
pimento trees. We then came to Antrim estate. John
Candler and I borrowed two ponies of some black people
going to the meeting, and rode eight miles through a beautiful
country. The rest of the party came with the carriages over
the difficult passes, with the help of several kind negroes. We
overtook crowds of these people going to the meeting at
Brownstown, which I had appointed. It Avas a goodly sight.
We were hospitably received by John Clark, the valuable
Baptist missionary. The meeting large and affecting. Our
party left behind arrived safely, to our great joy, before it
finished. The next day, a pleasant journey through a fruitful
prospering country, to Falmouth; where we met a warm
welcome from brother Ward and the widow Nicholls. Good,
but not very large meeting in the evening ; plain advice given
to the labourers. — " Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto
the Lord, and not unto men;" — cultivation of the soil;

212

JAMAICA.

1840-

cultivation of the mind ; Scripture ; care of children, &c. It
was well received. The next morning, calls on the several
ministers ; visit to the prisons ; and pleasant journey to
Montego Bay, where we were kindly taken in by Thomas
Burchell's wife, he being absent.

Yesterday was a fine, encouraging sabbath. Nearly 3000
people, almost exclusively black, at the chapel in the morning ;
a good, solemn meeting. John Candler and myself both
engaged; the seriousness of the people wonderful. In the
afternoon, visits to the miserable house of correction and jail,
and meetings in them. In the evening, a very crowded and
satisfactory meeting at the Methodist meeting-house.

3fa7idcville, 3rc? mo., 22nd. Our week has been a remarkable
one. Our two days of retirement at Mount Carey, (though I
felt every way weak at the time,) gave me the opportunity of
writing my intended address to the planters on reconciliation,
to the satisfaction of my own mind, and that of my friends.*
We also inspected some of the neighbouring estates ; visited a
capital school connected with the mission, and held a good
meeting on third day evening. Conversation after meeting
with the people of Montpelier estate, (Lord Seaford's ;) up till
midnight to finish the Address.

Fourth day morning to Betheltown, another Baptist station,
to breakfast with Thomas Burchell, where they have about
2000 hearers, and another school. We were much united
with him. He is a gentleman and a Christian, of modest
manners and solid worth ; I doubt not a highly important
instrument in the hand of the Lord. A drive of about twenty
miles, afterwards, to George Marcey's, a pious proprietor, be-
longing to the Church of England, living in a beautiful pcnn.
He gave us a very kind reception, and we held a good meeting
with his people, and a still better one on fifth day morning
before we parted.

Sixth day, went six miles to Barton estate to breakfast,

* This address is printed in the Winter in the West Indies,
Appendix C

JET. 52.

JAMAICA.

213

under the care of the stipendiary magistrate, Rickctts ; the
estate capitally managed. Thence up to Boguehill, after
calling at Bogue, a Moravian mission station ; where we found
a pretty good school, and a kind German brother; also at
William Foster's ; he with his family being proprietors of
10,000 acres in that lovely country, now doing well. A very
difficult, tedious route, under the guidance of Dr. Hay, whom
we met at Foster's, brought us before nightfall to Weare Penn,
in Manchester, the residence of John Davy, who has twenty
estates in good order under his care. There we were com-
fortably lodged, though he was absent. In the morning he
and Dr. Davy, the custos, came to us, also Dr. Stewart, the
rector. I read the address to them, and the morning's
conversation with this circle was fully to our satisfaction. We
then spent four or five hours in travelling a difficult road to
this place, where we arrived in safety last evening. A solemn
time of waiting and prayer concluded the evening, in which
our far distant beloved ones were remembered before the
Lord. In the remembrance of many striking little provi-
dences during the past week, Ave have abundant cause for
gratitude ; and for renewed faith and confidence in our Holy
Redeemer.

In his work upon the West Indies, Joseph John
Gurney carefully reviews the state of the colony as
it had come under his own observation in the course
of this visit. Freely admitting that the total pro-
duce had, to some extent, decreased, with the change
from slavery to freedom; and that such decrease
was obviously to be traced to a corresponding-
diminution in the cmantity of labour, he proceeds
to remark : —

" But here comes the critical question ; the real turning
point. To what is this diminution in the quantity of labour
owing ? I answer deliberately, but without reserve, 1 mainly
to causes which class under slavery, and not under freedom.

214

ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS.

1840.

It is, for the most part, the result of those impolitic attempts
to force the labour of free men, which have disgusted the
peasantry, and have led to the desertion of many of the
estates. * * * In the mean time, the imports of the island
are rapidly increasing ; trade improving ; the towns thriving ;
new villages rising in every direction ; property much enhanced
in value ; well-managed estates productive and profitable :
expenses of management diminished ; short methods of labour
adopted ; provisions cultivated on a larger scale than ever ;
and the people, wherever they are properly treated, industrious,
contented, and gradually accumulating wealth. Above all,
education is rapidly spreading ; the morals of the community
improving ; crime in many districts disappearing ; and
Christianity asserting her sway, with vastly augmented force,
over the mass of the population. Cease from all attempts to
oppose the current of justice and mercy ; remove every
obstruction to the fair and full working of freedom ; and the
bud of Jamaica's prosperity, already fragrant and vigorous,
will soon burst into a glorious flower."

Their journey of investigation closed with a visit
to Spanish Town, the seat of the government, The
colonial legislature was now assembled, and they
took the opportunity of listening to one of the
debates, and of calling upon Sir Charles Metcalfe,
the governor, with whom they enjoyed the privilege
of long and free conversation.

"Like ourselves," writes Joseph John Gurney, "he had
just returned from a tour of inspection in other parts of the
island. It was, therefore, a great satisfaction to us, to find
that he had imbibed the same convictions as we had, respecting
the impropriety of mixing up the questions of rent and wages,
and of all attempts to compel the labour of free men ; that
he rejoiced as much as ourselves in the rapid increase of villages
of independent negro settlers ; and that he fully concurred
with us as to the most efficacious modes of ensuring the

mi. 52.

Sill CHARLES METCALFE.

215

continuous labour of the people on the estates of their formei
masters.

" At the governor's table in the evening, we met most of
the principal officials of the island — the chief justice, the
bishop, the attorney general, the advocate general, the
colonial secretary, several members of the council, &c. We
believed it right to comply with the governor's kind request,
that we should be present on the occasion. Nothing could be
more friendly than the treatment which we met with from
the company. The dinner was moderate, though handsome :
temperance was strictly maintained, and the conversation was
rational and agreeable. We took our leave at night, under
feelings of Christian love and regard for all present. May
they remember that for public as well as private men, the law
of righteousness is the only law of safety and of peace !

" On the following day we returned to Kingston, where we
found our friends just arrived [in the Whitmore,] from Santa
Cruz, and with them, Miguel Cabrera do Nevares, Governor
of Madrid, who had been lately acting as Commissioner from
the Queen of Spain, in the revisal of the municipal laws of
the Spanish West Indian Colonies. Our friends had taken
him up at St. John's, Porto Rico, with a view of affording
him a conveyance to Havana.

" This circumstance turned out to be of no small importance
to myself. For, after the Spanish consul at Kingston, full
of the fears so natural to the abettors of slavery, had positively
refused me a passport for Cuba, and had even written to the
captain-general of that island, erroneously representing me as
tthe president of the Anti-slavery Society, our friend Cabrera
induced him to alter his letter; and afterwards, by his personal,
influence, procured me a quiet landing, and polite reception at
Havana. Thus had we again to acknowledge that super-
intending hand of our heavenly Father, which provides for all
the needs of those who desire to serve him.

" At Kingston I was occupied for a short time in carrying
through the press a small pamphlet, addressed to the planters,
and entitled Reconciliation recommended to all parties in

'216

LAST DAY AT JAMAICA.

1840.

Jamaica. The object of this address was to show the absolute
identity of interest which now subsists among the planters,
the labourers, and the abolitionists ; and to call upon them all
to unite, heart and hand, on just and salutary principles, in
promoting the prosperity of this noble colony. "We have
since had the satisfaction of learning that it was well received
by all parties.*

H Our last day in Jamaica was the first of the week, 3rd mo.,
29th. Great is the privilege of one day in seven, expressly
set apart for the purpose of rest and worship. For ourselves,
we felt it to be salutary to cease from the investigation of
secular points, however interesting, and again to unite with
our fellow men, in drawing near in spirit to the Fountain of
every blessing. We held our morning meeting in one of the
Baptist chapels ; the congregation, chiefly black, was deeply
serious, and when the subject of the afflictions of Africa arose
before us, the feeling of the people became intense. Many of
them are awakened to a lively interest in the religious
welfare of the people from whom they spring. The rising of
this spirit of love and zeal on behalf of the land of their
forefathers, has been one of the blessed accompaniments of
their freedom. In the afternoon we again met, in the
Weslcyan meeting-house, a vast assembly of persons of all
ranks and classes ; and, after once more pressing upon their
attention those fundamental principles, in the maintenance of
which the true church of Christ, of every name, country, and
colour, is one body, we took a last solemn leave of Jamaica
and her inhabitants. The next morning we parted from our
English friends, who continued for the present on the island,
went on board the ship Whitmore, and, as soon as wind and
tide permitted, set sail for Havana."

The voyage to Havana occupied upwards of a week.

"Baffling winds and calms detained us," wrrites Joseph
John Gurney, " for two or three days ; our last pig and fowl

* See Appendix C, at the end of the Winter in the West Indies,
pp. 236-252.

jst. 52.

HAVANA.

217

had been eaten ; we were beginning somewhat seriously to
long for the land, when, one delightful evening, a favourable
breeze sprang up, and brought us, in full sail, past the Moro
Castle and Lighthouse, into the port of Havana. It was the
9th of the 4th month. The scene was very animating and
beautiful. The Moro is built on a dark rock, on the left of
the entrance ; on a hill above it stand the Cabanas, a fort of
prodigious dimensions, in which is stationed a large body of
Spanish soldiers. Before us lay the wide-spreading old city,
said to contain one hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants ;
a few green hills were seen in the distance, and when we had
passed the Moro, the land-locked port full of shipping,
including three British men of war, and surmounted by some
handsome public buildings, was suddenly opened to our view.
It is a port of great resort and traffic, far exceeding, in this
respect, any other in the dominions of Spain. With the
exception of the Governor of Madrid, we continued on board
for the night ; and early the next morning received a notice,
that we were all permitted to land without undergoing any of
the usual formalities. The British Consul, Charles Tolmc',
came on board to pay his respects to some of our passengers.
I found that he was an old friend of mine, whom I had not
seen for thirty years. He gave me a hearty welcome, and
accompanied me, on our landing, to the Government House,
as I wished to pay my respects to the Prince of Anglona, the
Captain General of Cuba. Our friend Cabrera had already
conveyed to him a letter of introduction which I had brought
with me from the Governor of Jamaica ; and I considered
that an early call was due to him from a friend to the slaves
and a Christian minister, whom he had so kindly permitted
to land, at all hazards. The Prince, who is one of the old
nobility of Spain, is a person of small stature, and by no
means imposing in his appearance, but of good talents and
liberal politics. He received us with great politeness, and
even apologized to our consul for my having been refused a
passport in Jamaica. He spoke French fluently, and talked
to us for a few minutes in a friendly manner. No oppor-

218

VOYAGE TO SAVANNAH.

1840.

tunity offered for conversation on important topics, and we
soon retired."

The Journal thus continues the narrative : —

4th mo., 16th. I was much with my old friend Charles
Tolme, the British consul, and his wife and family ; visited
Captain Hawkins, of the Romney, and James Kennedy,
judge of the joint commission court ; saw the slavers now in
the harbour ; visited the baracoons, as well as the prison and
other public institutions ; obtained a great deal of valuable
information, and am thankful that I have been permitted
to visit Havana. , We returned to our vessel on first day
evening, and sailed on second day morning. A quiet little
meeting at Watts' boarding house, on first day morning ;
and a Scripture reading, in the evening, on board ship, were
agreeable and refreshing. Each morning since, we have been
favoured with comfortable readings, &c. ; and although not
insensible of much deep infirmity, I have been on the whole
tranquil and happy.

At Savannah, Georgia, 4th mo., 22nd. We arrived here
in safety on second day the 20th, after experiencing great
danger at sea from a violent thunder storm on the night of
the 18th, in which our ship was struck with lightning, and
for some time was supposed to be on fire ; but we were
mercifully protected, and, after some trial of our faith,
delivered from our danger. The next morning, (first day,)
we held a meeting on deck ; both passengers and crew were
gathered together in much solemnity, and I hope a serious
impression was made on all our minds. In the evening, there
was again every prospect of a tempest, but the weather cleared.
It was very pleasant to arrive on the American shores in
safety, and we are permitted to reap the reward of peace. I
find myself happy in my quiet bed chamber, opposite to a
grove of trees in the square ; and certainly feel much more
fit for this seclusion, than for a third time attending the Yearly
Meeting in Philadelphia.

xt. 52.

JOURNAL.

219

CHAPTER XXXV.
1840. my. 52—53.

SAVANNAH J CHARLESTON J SECOND VISIT TO WASHINGTON J INTER-
VIEWS WITH THE PRESIDENT, J. C. CALHOUN, HENRY CLAY, &C. )
NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND YEARLY MEETINGS J LETTER TO
HIS CHILDREN; VOYAGE HOME j EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL.

Joseph John Gurney's labours in America were
now drawing to a close. He had looked forward
with much interest to being once more present
at the Yearly Meeting of Friends at Philadelphia;
but circumstances, over which he had no control,
prevented him from reaching that city in time
to accomplish that .object. Whilst at sea, on his
voyage to Havana, in allusion to this subject, he
wrote in his Journal: —

4th mo., 9th. I have passed through some hours of con-
flict, in times of calm, in the view of Philadelphia ; but
during the past night, some relief has been experienced from
this prospect. I have compared the peculiar fetters of mind
which I have long felt respecting that Yearly Meeting, to
those which I once endured in reference to the parliamentary
prospect. Oh ! the inexpressible relief which I felt when, in
one midnight hour, those fetters were unexpectedly broken,
and I was left free from the concern, ready for work in the
depth of Spitalfields. Certainly I feel more happiness in the
view of not being present at Philadelphia, than I have hitherto

220

SAVANNAH.

1840.

done. I can look back on ray exercises and labours there with
satisfaction ; not having, so far as I know, withheld any part
of the message committed to me. Thus I hope I may feel that
my work in America is pretty much done ; and that, after
having accomplished what remains of service in the cause of
Africa and her descendants, and attended the Yearly Meetings
of New York and New England, I may return to my home and
family in peace.

"We were [detained] a whole week at Savannah," he
writes in one of his letters, " before the steamboat was
ready to convey us to Charleston ; and certainly it was a
week of no small interest to ourselves. In the course of a
few days, we formed an acquaintance with several of the
gentry of the place, who treated us with great civility ; and
some of the evenings which we spent in their houses, were
I trust, occupied in a manner calculated to leave a profitable
impression. We received some very kind attentions from a
gentleman of the name of Schmitz, a timber merchant, whom
I had formerly met in Virginia. He is in possession of a
collection of costly books and valuable manuscripts, such as
would do credit to the Dibdins and Hebers of our own country.
It is one of the few good private libraries that I saw in
America.

zfc % ^: % &

" Savannah contains upwards of 7500 inhabitants, of whom
more than one half are slaves. We had made our arrange-
ments for a public meeting, to be held at eight o'clock one
evening, and were about to insert our notice in the newspaper ;
but our purpose was, at that time, frustrated by the sudden
diffusion of a report, that I had come thither from the West
Indies, as an "anti-slavery spy." It produced no small excite-
ment; and we were assured, that the meeting could not be
held without endangering the peace of the town, and probably
our own lives. We had been previously warned by a mission-
ary from Jamaica, who came from these parts, that we could
not visit Savannah with any degree of safety, a warning

<£T. 52.

CHARLESTON7.

221

which seemed now likely to be verified. But all turned out
well at last. The nature of our gospel mission was explained,
the report gradually subsided, and two large public meetings
were held in succession — the latter on the first day of the
week, with nearly 2000 people. It was a satisfactory occasion ;
and the next morning we left the place, under feelings of
sincere regard and affection towards many of its inhabitants.
Certainly we are bound to acknowledge that they treated us
with great civility and kindness.

From Savannah, Joseph John Gurney proceeded,
by way of Charleston, to Washington.

Washington, fourth day evening, 5th mo., 6th. It is under
feelings of much peace and thankfulness that I find a quiet
settlement here this night, after a safe journey by sea, land,
and river, of 650 miles from Savannah, propelled the whole
way by steam. How abundant, 0 Lord, are thy mercies,
praised be thy holy name ! We arrived at Charleston on third
day evening last, the 29th. Our stay there was, I hope, pro-
ductive of good. We found excellent quarters at the New
Hotel ; were kindly received by Richard Howland and Ben-
jamin Hussey ; also James M. Carter, Dr. Post, Henry L.
Pinckney, (the Mayor,) and others. Notwithstanding sundry
reports raised about me as an abolitionist, way was made for
a good visit to the Orphan Asylum ; and for three large public
meetings : on sixth day evening at the Trinity Methodist
chapel ; and on the first day at the Orphan Asylum chapel in
the afternoon, and at Dr. Post's "circular church," at eight in
the evening. We had previously held our morning meeting
with about thirty people, at dear old Daniel Latham's, a
Friend, though not a member, aged ninety. They were all
good times. On second day, after speaking with the Mayor,
Mahlon Day and I, accompanied by Richard Howland, visited
the Marine Hospital, which was in excellent order ; (supported,
like all similar institutions in this country, by the sailors

222

WASHINGTON.

1840.

themselves ;) the county jail, very had ; there we found two
negroes condemned to he hanged in two months for robbery ;
the negro jail, where the negroes are confined and punished by
their masters almost ad libitum ; — a miserable spectacle ; next
the workhouse, and wretched lunatic asylum. On our return,
a call on Judge O'Neal, of Newbury, where there is still a
little meeting of Friends. Letter written for the information
of others, respecting the working of freedom in the West
Indies ; and we parted from our friends at Charleston in peace
on second day.

Fifth day. My two young Friends and I have been enjoy-
ing a little quietness before the Lord this morning, after
reading Col. i and ii. On the review of my long, long
pilgrimage, up to the present time, my soul is, I trust, bowed
before the Shepherd of Israel, in humble gratitude, for his
long-continued and most undeserved mercies ; and my prayers
are offered, though in much weakness, that he may be pleased
to permit me to finish this course with joy, and to restore me
to my family and friends in peace.

First day noon. The way has so far remarkably opened
here at Washington, for those communications which I was
desirous of making on the subject of West Indian freedom,
to several of the leading men of this country ; Daniel
Webster, John Forsyth, (the Secretary of State,) J. C. Calhoun,
a highly interesting interview, — Henry Clay, (from whom I
parted in much friendship,) and the President himself. It is
more than I could have ventured to hope for, and an in-
expressible relief and comfort to my own mind.

From Washington he wrote

TO HIS CHILDREN.

Seventh day, 5th mo., 9th. Mahlon Day and myself dined
yesterday at the house of an old lady named Tudor, and her
daughter, the wife of Commodore Stewart, the mother and
Bister of our friend, Emma Gardiner. There, besides the

/ET. 52.

J. C. CALHOUN.

223

Gardiners, we met General Miller, who has been long in
Mexico, and various parts of South America ; a modest, well-
informed gentleman ; also John Forsyth, the Secretary of
State, a remarkably agreeable, elderly person, with much
appearance of talent and thought about him, and deeply
fraught with politics. In a tete & tete conversation with him
in the evening, I contrived to put him in possession of the
whole case of West Indian freedom, as far as it had passed
under our notice, and he gave me an excellent hearing. He
is from Georgia, and thoroughly accustomed to slaveholding
notions. This morning we have been enabled to do an
admirable stroke of work in the same line. At ten o'clock
we called on our friend Holmes, who took us to his favourite
political leader, J. C. Calhoun, who gave us a polite and
friendly reception. I wish you could see Calhoun. He is
about 57, I should suppose, of middle stature, with pale face,
prominent forehead, expressive nose, lips, and chin, and eyes
dark, deep, and penetrating. After a little preparatory talk
on climate, health, &c, we came to the "fight of liberty." I
told him that we had been passing the winter in the West
Indies, and that I wished to be permitted an opportunity of
laying before one, whose character I knew as a lover of truth,
and a deep thinker and reasoner, the results of our calm
observations of the state of those islands. He said he had
nothing in view but truth, and should like to hear me. I
then entered succinctly on the detail, giving him evidence
upon evidence of my five grand points. 1st, that the liberated
negroes are working well on the sugar and coffee estates ;
under which head I explained the case of Jamaica. 2nd, that
the staple articles are produced more cheaply under freedom
than under slavery. 3rd, that landed and other real property
in the islands has risen, and is rising in value. 4th, that
there is a corresponding increase in the comforts of the
labouring population, evinced particularly in the doubling of
the imports ; and 5th, that there is an equal progress in the
morals of the community, both coloured and white. He
fixed his black eye upon me, and listened with the greatest
attention. After I had concluded ; to my great satisfaction,

224

WASHINGTON.

1840.

he freely admitted the truth of my •whole case ; confessing,
without reserve, the superior pecuniary advantages of freedom
to slavery, but ascribing the safety of the experiment in
Jamaica to its dependence on the superior power of England ;
after which he opened his fire upon me, as it related to the
political aspects of the case. It was a rapid, declamatory
argument, vivid, acute, and with the appearance of being closely
reasoned. He began by cross-questioning me as to the probable
political ascendancy of the blacks in Jamaica ; and then, turn-
ing to his own country, endeavoured to show that the whites and
blacks were so distinct, as races, that one must rule the other :
that where the blacks preponderated, they would infallibly, in
case of emancipation, become the masters of the whites ; and
that where the numbers were matched, there would, in the
nature of things, arise a bloody struggle, which would end in
the destruction of one of the races. I observed, that if the
principles of the gospel were permitted to prevail, all jealousy
and discord between races and parties would cease ; and all
might work on together in safety and harmony ; the political
influence of each individual and each race depending, in the
mean time, on the accpiisition of property ; and, while measured
by property, safe in its nature. Our friend Holmes, Clay, of
Alabama, and other southerners, who were present, seemed
delighted at the pouring forth of their leader ; and were ready
to cry Io triumphe ! For my own part, I was equally pleased
with his having admitted my whole case. I said it had been
a treat to me to hear J. C. Calhoun reason, and that I would
not attempt to answer him ; at any rate, not without previous
reflection. So we parted in peace and friendship.

Holmes then took us to call on the speaker, R. M. T.
Hunter, of Virginia, whom we found in his private apartment
in the Capitol. He is a modest, pleasing young man, and
seemed to lend a willing ear to so much of the statement as
we had time to give. We agreed to call upon him again ; and,
having parted from our friend Holmes, proceeded to the
lodgings of Henry Clay, whom we found at home, and who
gave us a very kind and friendly reception. He is farther
advanced in years than Calhoun ; with abundance of straight

£:t. 52.

HENRY CLAY; THE PRESIDENT.

225

greyish hair, and a countenance of great intelligence, softened
by the obvious touches of benevolence. He mentioned my
former visit to Washington as remembering it well, and then
poured forth an encomium upon Friends, and a strain of
declamation against the northern abolitionists ; after which,
with his full permission, I began my West Indian statement,
and calmly went through it, bringing it to a close without
any interruption from him. He gave me a willing-hearted
hearing, and seemed to derive real pleasure from the informa-
tion. After he had given us sundry reasons why emancipation
is impossible in America, or to be effected only in the course
of centuries, we rose to take our leave. Our next visit was
at the " White House ;" our second call, as previously arranged,
on the President ; Mahlcn Day and Samuel Parsons, jun.,
with me, as in all our previous calls. We were introduced
immediately, and found him in his receiving room, with
Carroll, the Governor of Tennessee, and another gentleman.
He understood the object of our visit, and allowed me quietly
and plainly to lay before him our whole story. I endeavoured
to make it as perspicuous and pointed as possible ; and after
going through the several particulars, ended with a brief but
full recapitulation. He gave me his entire attention, acknow-
ledged that the statement was clear and satisfactory, confessed
that the subject was one of great interest, and promised to
give us another opportunity of conversing with him on the
case of Cuba, and the foreign slave trade. We then took a
respectful leave, and returned to our hotel in much peace.

Second day morning, 5th mo!., 11th. After our interesting-
morning's work last seventh day, I was glad to rest during the
afternoon. In the evening we went to the Capitol, to attend
the National Convention on Education. Dr. Bache, the
President of Girard College, Philadelphia, was in the
chair ; and members of Congress, from different parts of
the Union, gave an account of the state of education in
their respective states. Large supplies from the public
purse are applied, to the purpose in most of the states;
a measure rendered easy in America by the absence of an

Vol. II. — 15

226

WASHIXGTOX.

1840.

establishment, and the evenness of the sects. Being called
upon by Dr. Bache, I spoke shortly on popular education in
England, and on the importance of a diligent daily use of the
Holy Scriptures in the schools. In this respect, America is
at present notoriously defective.

Our sabbath yesterday was a very quiet one. We held
our meeting in our own chamber, with a few of our Whitmore
ship-mates, who are now at Washington ; and believe we all felt
the refreshment of it. In the evening we joined a large
circle at Tillinghast's, member of Congress, from Providence,
Rhode Island, where we met several congress men, their
ladies, &c. I read to them part of the Epistle to the Philippians,
and Avas afterwards enabled to address them on a variety of
subjects suggested by that epistle, I hope with Christian plain-
ness. I may venture to say, that it was under some measure
of that influence which can alone qualify for such a work.

Second day afternoon. This morning we have again been
paying our respects to the Speaker, in his private apartment
at the Capitol, and finishing our West Indian story with him.
We just sounded him as to the possibility of our having the
use of the Hall of Representatives for the public telling of the
same story ; but it did not seem that it could be arranged. I
fear the sensitiveness which prevails on the subject of slavery,
must prevent any public measure of the kind. If so, I must
again content myself with pamphlet writing.

Fourth day evening. After our conversation with the
Speaker, on second day morning, we found our way, first into
the Representatives' Hall, and next into the Senate chamber.
We were kindly permitted access to the floor of each house ;
and you would have been amused to see me quietly seated
among these patriot debaters in the lower house, as if I had
been one of their number. It is a better House of Commons
than I had imagined ; but their debates are diffuse and long-
continued, and at times the members are pugnacious enough.

In the Senate we were allowed, by special favour, to occupy
seats in a circular gallery which surrounds the house, in
immediate contact with the seats of the Senators. We
listened for some time to a lively debate on granting a

52.

J. QUIXCY ADAMS; WEBSTER.

227

pension to the widow (aged 94) of the American officer, who
was the first to fall in the revolutionary war. Colonel
Preston, of South Carolina, spoke on the subject with
uncommon pathos, force, and elegance. In the evening, S.
Parsons, jun., and I, walked down to President Square, to
call on our friends the Gardiners, who were going away the
next morning ; and we accompanied them to the house of Joel
R. Poinsett, the Secretary at War, who is one of the able
men of this country. There we spent an agreeable evening,
and I agreed to call on him at his office, to talk over the
West Indies.

On third day evening we passed an hour agreeably with
J. Quincy Adams, that vivacious old man of 76, who still
makes long speeches in the house, and surprises every one
with the extent and accuracy of his information, and the
undying fires of his zeal. He was deeply interested by our
narrative, and entered into a good discussion with us on the
Cuba slave trade.

To-day has been decidedly interesting. After breakfast we
called again on Daniel Webster, showed him my Jamaica
sketches, as illustrative of the effect of freedom, and talked
over the whole case of American participation in the African
slave trade. His intelligence and evident amiability are very
attractive. From him we proceeded to Poinsett, who received
us and our story gladly, though himself a southerner from
Carolina. He has been an extensive traveller, and has the
reputation of much science and erudition. We then called on
John Forsyth, the Secretary of State, with whom we conversed
upon the African slave trade. He was kind to us ; but
apparently not so well disposed to the discussion of the sub-
ject as Poinsett and some others. The rest of the morning
was spent in the Senate, where we heard an excellent speech
from Crittenden, of Kentucky, on the bankrupt laws, and a few
sentences from Webster ; and lastly, in pursuance of a very
friendly invitation, we have been dining with Henry Clay.
He is a person whom we cannot help liking, and even loving ;
there is so much of kindness and good humour about him.

Sixth day morning, 5th mo., 15th. Our visit to the "White

228

WASHINGTON.

1840

House" yesterday was satisfactory; so far as it enabled us to
cast our burden from our own shoulders, and lay it at the
feet of those who can carry it, with good effect, if they will.
We were kindly received by the President ; Woodbury, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and Paulding, the Secretary of the
Navy, being with hiin. We stated the case of Cuba and of
American participation in the abominations of the slave trade ;
and suggested that a mutual right of search might be granted,
with restrictions to the coast of Africa, without derogating
from the high feelings (we might have said the national
pride) of the Americans. The President heard us with
attention, and apparent kindness and respect. In the evening
we spent a highly pleasant hour or two with Samuel Southard,
senator from New Jersey, one of the first men of this country,
and his son-in-law Ogden Hoffman, of the lower house.
They are both right-minded, and particularly agreeable ; of
one mind with us respecting slavery and the slave trade.
The chaplain of the House, Dr. Bates, of his own accord,
offered to make way for us next first day morning ; and the
Speaker having given his consent, we are now looking
forward to one more public meeting with the Congress of
America.

This afternoon, after a morning in the House of Repre-
sentatives and Senate, we have been visiting Henry Pox, our
ambassador. He is a person of very singular habits — turning
night into day and vice versa. — but of decided acuteness and
talent, and a true and feeling man, on the subject of slavery.
I was well pleased with our discussion. I suggested to him
the above-mentioned plan of restricting the "right of search"
to the coast of Africa, which he quite approved; but has
little hope that Congress would ever agree to the measure,
however hmited or modified. We talked about slavery in
this country, and I was glad to hear him express his opinion,
that the movements of the Anti-Slavery Societies of America
will, in the end, be productive of good. He is the nephew of
Charles James Fox, and, whatever may be his infirmities, I
must give him the credit of sharing in the integrity, good
sense, and kindness of heart, which distinguished bis uncle.

;et. o2.

MEETING IN' THE CAPITOL.

229

First day morning, 5th mo., 11th; one o'clock. With
much fear and trembling did I ascend the steps of the
Capitol, my very heart faint within me; and, after having
been led to search the length and breadth of the question,
" What think ye of Christ ?" I return from it with ease and
quietness. We had a crowded and most attentive assemblage,
amongst the rest, Clay, of Kentucky, Clay, of Alabama,
Forsyth, J. Q. Adams, Wyse, Hoffman, J. C. Calhoun, and
others of the "intellectual nobility" of the land. I ended
with strong appeals to the law of righteousness, as the true
guide to sound national policy, as well as private virtue.
There was a solemn silence at the close of the meeting, after
which many took a warm and affectionate leave of us. * *

" Soon afterwards," he continues in another letter, " I took
my last leave of Washington. A public meeting had been
previously appointed, for that evening, at Baltimore. Under
such circumstances avc could not hesitate to avail ourselves of
the afternoon rail car. A respectable assembly was collected
at the Baptist chapel, in the latter city, to unite with us in
our worship ; and thus a second occasion of rather peculiar
religious solemnity brought this sabbath day to its close."

The attendance of the ensuing Yearly Meetings
of New York and New England, was now the
principal object that pressed upon Joseph John
Gurney's mind before leaving America. At Wash-
ington, Henry Clay had suggested to him the
desirability of throwing before the public the
results of his inquiries and observations in the
West Indies, in reference to slavery and the
working of emancipation. This idea accorded
with his own view, and he now applied his few
remaining hours of leisure in America to this
object; presenting his narrative in a series of

230

NEW YORK ; NEW ENGLAND.

1840.

letters addressed, with his full permission, to Henry
Clay himself. This little work, already several
times referred to, was soon afterwards published
under the title of a Winter in the West Indies,
and was widely circulated both in England and
America.

After attending the Yearly Meeting at New York,
he writes in his Journal : —

Joshua Kimbers, Flushing, 6th mo., 5th. My return
certificate was brought in on fifth day last week, and adopted
with much renewed expression of consent. I spoke at some
length in the Yearly Meeting, on domestic religion, and on
slavery. It ended in dignified solemnity, this day week. On
seventh day afternoon, after settling affairs, I came to this
place exhausted, panting for cpuietness ; and have been busily
engaged, under this peaceful roof, in writing my familiar
letters to Henry Clay.

Having proceeded to New England, he con-
tinues : —

Newport, \_Rliode Island,'] Gth mo., 19th. We are this day
come to the close of a highly favoured Yearly Meeting. On
first day week, at New York, Ave had an excellent united
meeting with Thomas and E. Robson ; and I made a last call
on dear Daniel Wheeler, at whose bedside I was very shortly
engaged in prayer. Afterwards, in the solemn and sweet
afternoon meeting, I had to pray for him and his family
publicly. Spent the rest of the week at Samuel Parsons',
Flushing, and wrote my book, ninth Letter inclusive. On
sixth day morning last, voyage by Massachusetts steamer to
Newport ; we arrived here safe on seventh day morning.
Public meetings, morning and afternoon of first day, peculiarly
solemn and satisfactoiy. In the Yearly Meeting, (of New
England,) my return certificate was granted, notwithstanding

JET. 52.

LETTER FROM DR. CHANGING.

231

a little appearance of the contrary spirit, with remarkably full
concurrence ; so also in the women's meeting. In the early
part of this Yearly Meeting we received the sad tidings of
Daniel Wheeler's death. I have borne a testimony to the
grace of God in him, in both meetings. I doubt not his
being at rest with the Lord. Nothing can have exceeded
the love and kindness of Friends, and we parted this morning
in the Sowings of a holy cordiality. Blessed be the name of
the Lord.

PROM DR. CHANNI2\TG.

Newport, R. I., June 26th, 1S40.

My dear Sir,

After you left me the other day, I regretted
that I had not expressed to you in stronger language, my
earnest desire that you would publish among us your obser-
vations on the working of emancipation in the West Indies.
There has been, and still is, in our community, a shocking
mixture of incredulity and indifference on this subject. I
trust we are not given up to hardness of heart ; and if any-
thing can rouse us from our insensibility, it must be the
testimony of men well known and respected, and whose
judgment and motives are above suspicion. Your extensive
travels and labours have made you an object of interest and
confidence through a considerable part of the country; and
very many would listen to your report. Allow me then to
say, that it seems to me, you can render important service to
the cause of freedom and humanity, by giving to the public
here, the results of your observations. I remember with
'much pleasure our intercourse, and am truly grateful for the
cheering light you communicated.

Very truly, your friend,

William E. Ciianning.

His passage to England was taken in the Koscius,
which was expected to sail from New York at the

232

LETTER.

1840.

latter end of the seventh month. The interval was
spent partly at Providence, where he completed his
letters to Henry Clay, and partly in farewell visits
to Philadelphia and New York. In the prospect of
his return home, mingled as it was in his mind
with a feeling of uncertainty as to the event of the
voyage and his own state of health, he thus
intimately pours out his heart

TO HIS CHILDREN.

Newport, Rhode Island, 6th mo., 21st, 1840.

* * * Whether I am permitted to return to you or not,
I look back with satisfaction and thankfulness to the nearly
three years which I have spent on this side the Atlantic, and
that on two grounds ; first, the preservation which you have
so mercifully experienced in my absence ; and secondly, the
evident efficacy (through the divine blessing) of the gospel
mission in which I have been enjrajred.

Many seals to my ministry have been graciously afforded
me in individual cases ; and many tokens, on a larger scale,
that my labours in the gospel have been the means of clearing
the understanding of some, and of impressing their feelings
respecting the fundamental and cardinal doctrines of Chris-
tianity. You know that I am very infirm in myself, and I
have at sundry times been led publicly to confess myself to be
one of the most unworthy of the Lord's servants ; therefore
boasting is, and ought to be, far from me. I am humbled in
the dust before the Lord, as a poor guilty earthworm, without
the smallest hope of salvation, except through the perfect
righteousness and efficacious blood -shedding of my holy
Redeemer. Yet I enjoy sweet peace in the retrospect of the
long and various labours, both in America and the West
Indies, into which the Lord has been pleased to lead me ; and,
even were our pleasant prospects of meeting again on earth
never tc be realized, I have not the least reason to regret

.ST. 52.

TO HIS CHILDREN.

233

having left my all, for the sake of Jesus Christ and his
gospel.

I think ray visit has been the means, through mercy, of
leading many, especially of the young, to clearer views of the
religion of the New Testament, and to a firmer and more
intelligent attachment to the principles of our own Society,
than they had ever fait before. So far from having at all
unsettled their Quakerism, my ministry has been the means,
under the divine blessing, of inducing many of them, especially
of the young men, to renounce the habits of the world, and, as
a token of their allegiance to the Saviour, to adopt the plain
dress and language, which unquestionably become our Christian
profession. They form an outline which, in the present con-
dition of the church, and of the world, we cannot spare ; they
serve the important purpose of separating us from associations,
amusements, and excitements, which pull the wrong way.
They arc a check on our natural tendencies to flippancy and
vanity, and a bridle on our idle tongues. They are our way
(amongst other analogous things) of openly confessing our
Lord, and of showing ourselves to be on his side ; and, above
all, they are humbling ; and humiliation is that which we all
chiefly vjant.

The divisions of sentiment now so apparent in the Church
of England, and the rapid retrograde movements towards
Popery of a large proportion of the clergy in America, as well
as in England, have been to me very instructive as well as
affecting. And useful and valuable as are the Methodists,
the. Baptists, the Presbyterians, the Moravians, the Indepen-
dents, &c, in their respective niches, (and of their usefulness
I have seen much, both in America and the West Indies,) I
am clearly of the mind, from deliberate and extensive
observation, that their respective administrations of religion,
would never suit those, who, through the tender mercy of our
God, have been accustomed to the free, unfettered operations
of the Lord's anointing. I charge [you] to abide under it,
to live and to move under it, in all things. Sure I am, that
this most blessed principle of action, will never open the door
for your forsaking the steady maintenance of any of our

234

PHILADELPHIA.

1840.

Christian testimonies, little or great. Never set up your own
reasonings against it or over it; but follow it in faith and
obedience, and it will keep you in the tenderness and innocence
of the Christian life. I entreat you both to persevere in the
habits of daily retirement, of the private reading of the Holy
Scriptures, and of prayer, much, frequent, fervent prayer, even
through the blessed aid of the Holy Spirit, who prayeth for
us with groanings that cannot be uttered.

I conclude with the apostolic words, " Love not the world,
neither the things which are in the world. If any man love
the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that
is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and
the pride of life, are not of the Father, but of the world : and
the world passeth away with the lust thereof; but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

At Philadelphia ho writes in his Journal: —

Itlv mo., 9th. Encore ici four la derniere fois. This
morning attended the quiet, solemn week-day meeting at
Arch-street : in which I had to speak of the immortality of
the soul, of the happiness of the departed, and of the
necessary work of preparation for eternity. Quietness my
portion, through mercy, on returning hither.

West Hill, 7th mo., 22nd. I have to record many mercies
since I last wrote. The time spent in Philadelphia has on the
whole been very satisfactory.

On fifth day to Merion ; a blessed little meeting ; dined
and lodged at Israel W. Morris's ; next morning to Haverford ;
a very satisfactory visit. Last first day, a large and full
meeting at the North meeting-house ; a very searching,
solemn time. In the evening, a very largo meeting at Arch-
street, for Friends of all the meetings — " If I wash thee not
thou hast no part with me." A deeply affecting leave-taking.
Second day, satisfactory visit to Isaac Collins and his family,
in deep affliction from the unexpected death of his son Henry ;
but there was a good hope respecting him. In the afternoon

JET. 52.

EMBARKATION FOR ENGLAND.

235

I took ray last leave of my dear friend and helper, II. Paul,
and was accompanied by her beloved husband to the steam-
boat, for Burlington ; being permitted to leave Philadelphia in
entire peace.

Accompanied by his young friend Alexander S.
Taylor, he embarked on board the Koscius, on the
twenty-sixth of the seventh month.

On board the Roscius, first day morning. Again have I
trusted myself on the bosom of the deep, after having accom-
plished the work in America, and am homeward bound ! I
arrived at New York on fifth day afternoon ; many friends seen,
and book finished. Dear Richard Mott came in from the
country ; nothing could exceed the love and kindness of
Friends. In the evening of sixth day, my last, last meeting
in America ; well attended by Friends and others, and
peculiarly weighty, quiet, and solemn. The next morning,
Friends flocked to W. F. Mott's ; and two religious sittings
took place. The silence was long, and the peaceful solemnity
more than I can describe. The Holy Master gave us his seal
in a pre-eminent manner ; and I felt perfectly easy and tranquil.
Large were the numbers who accompanied me to the shore,
and most of them in the steam-boat to the ship. Lord, do thou
graciously help me, sustain, preserve, and comfort me, for thy
mercy and truth's sake.

Fifth day morning, 1th mo., 30th. This morning, we have
had a comfortable opportunity with several of the steerage
passengers ; and since, a solemn and satisfactory week-day
meeting, with my companion, wherein the blessed presence of
Jesus, with the "two" was, I trust, made known. I was led
to look at the past, the present, and the future ; and the
result seemed to be

" To thank the Lord for mercies past,
And humbly hope for more."

Seventh day noon, 8th mo., 1st. This afternoon will com-
plete the week since that memorable, peaceful, tearful parting,

23G

VOYAGE HOME.

1840.

from my many friends, when I left the steam-hoat in New
York harbour for this vessel. As it draws to its close I find
myself empty, weak, and poor; yet not otherwise than happy.
I suppose we have progressed nearly 800 miles in our course ;
say one-fourth of our voyage. 0 Lord, I do desire to pre-
sent the remainder of my days to thee, as a living sacrifice ;
and should it please thee to add the fifteen years to my life,
as to that of Hezekiah in the days of old, — turning as it were
the shadow of infirmity in mind and body back as a sign —
may such a period, whether longer or shorter, be devoted to
thy cause on earth, in the pure strength and wisdom of thy
own Holy Spirit !

"While fresh evidences multiply upon me, that God permits
grace to flow through many very different administrations, I
increasingly love and approve the simplicity, solidity, and
purity of Christianity, as held by Friends. First, as it relates
to my own welfare. In the saving of the spiritual, invisible,
and immortal soul, the application of the grand truths of the
New Testament, under the immediate and most precious
influences of the Holy Ghost, seems all that is required. It
is the appropriation by faith of a most glorious scheme of
wisdom, holiness, and benevolence. * * * I own no priest-
hood but the priesthood of Christ ; no supper in worship, but
in spiritual communion with him and his followers at his own
table, in his kingdom ; no baptism, as an introduction to the
hopes and citizenship of the Christian believer, but that of
the Holy Ghost. I heartily crave and pray that the blessed
principle in me of light, and life, and love, even the perceptible,
operative influence of the Spirit of Christ, may consummate
its victory over the native infirmities of my own heart.

Greyheaded as I am, I am at times haunted by the shadoivs
of old corruptions, and Satan still plays at seasons on the
irritability of my nervous system, fills me with strange fears,
and bids words of murmuring, (in which I believe I have nc
part,) to dart like lightning though my almost morbidly
sensitive mind. But, through all, I am permitted to feel an
increasing settlement in Christ ; and in the view of eternity,
I can, with a degree of confidence, commit myself to the

M£. 52. IMPORTANT REFLECTIONS. 237

marvellously comprehensive mercies of my God, in him — my
Redeemer. I rejoice in the belief that I have redemption
through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. I am most
happy that I have never been seduced into any unworthy,
heterodox notions of the person and character of my blessed
Saviour. It hath, indeed, pleased the Father, that in him
should all fulness dwell. Truly, he is my all in all. Next to
this view of Christ, as the Foundation of all my hopes,
and inseparably connected with it, is the experience, most
graciously permitted me, (especially in connexion with the
American mission,) of the guidance of the Holy Spirit ; I
mean the developments of truth itself, in my own mind, in
reference to my own course of duty, which I have wonder-
fully found to be also the course of safety, — the arrangements
of Divine Providence having so far memorably coincided with
the internal pointing of his holy hand. With these views,
and with this experience, what can I do but go boldly and
wash, from day to day, in the fountain of the atoning blood
of Jesus, reverently depending on his all-availing intercession,
and commit myself, without reserve, to that unseen, but not
unfelt government, under which I may yet " make all things
according to the pattern showed" me "in the mount." 0
Lord God, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, infinitely
abounding in wisdom and grace, sanctify me wholly in body,
soul, and spirit ; stamp thine own image upon me ; and
prepare me for a glorious eternity !

The second branch of the subject, now in deep seriousness
before me, is usefulness to others. Had I been placed in any
other religious society, I must have been either a layman ; or,
in the milder sense of the word, a priest. I am satisfied that,
in neither capacity, could I have enjoyed the same scope for
usefulness as I now do under an administration which levels
this distinction, and allows the liberty of the Spirit in its full
and just action. So it is enjoyed in my case. I do not con-,
sider it to be so, sufiiciently, by some of my brethren and
sisters. I think the fault of our society, in its present con-
dition, is the predominance of fear, prejudice, and system,
over this blessed liberty ; a remark which I apply with a full

238

VOYAGE HOME.

1840,

feeling of the value of a well-ordered Christian government
and discipline in the church. But we want more faith in thai
anointing for which toe plead. God grant that it may spread,
abound, and prosper ! As it is, while my secularities afford
me many large opportunities of helping others, I am free to
go forth and labour, wherever and whenever the Lord is
pleased to send me, for the instruction of believers and the
salvation of sinners. I humbly trust that He who sent me
forth has blessed, and will bless, my ministry. He only can
give the increase. I pray thee, 0 most gracious Lord, to
give me the hundred-fold on both sides the Atlantic ; and
may all end, to thy honour and glory, in the perfect and
eternal peace of one of the poorest and most unworthy of
thy servants !

8th mo., 11th. In the afternoon of first day we had a
comforting meeting with the steerage passengers ; and in the
evening I held one, by invitation, in the ladies' cabin. It
was, indeed, a favoured day. Since then we have spent
two prosperous days ; the wind favourable, driving us on
ten knots in the hour ; the scene delightful ; the weather
fresh, but growing cold ; sweet hope of meeting my beloved
ones in England increasing as I draw nearer my native
shores ; my comfortable state-room continues to be a place of
waiting and prayer.

8th mo., 15th. We have had a fine sail since I last wrote ;
continued prosperity in this remarkably favoured voyage has
been our portion, in the loving-kindness of our Heavenly
Father ; though yesterday and last night were attended by
some anxiety, as we failed to make Cape Clear, finding our-
selves, by an observation at noon, much to the southward of
it. Thus we had to run up the Channel without our land-
mark?, though the captain thought he caught a sight of land.
I had retired to rest when the pleasant tidings were brought
that the Tuscar light was in sight. A good night followed,
and this morning we have been enjoying a delightful sail —
the Irish and Welsh coast both in sight. We are now about
forty miles from Liverpool, and have just taken in a pilot.
No account of the arrival of any of the steam-boats. How

JET. 53.

ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.

239

remarkably has my course been ordered for me, as it relates
to sailing in this vessel ! How abundant has been the kind-
ness with which the Lord has dealt with the very weakest
and most unworthy of his servants ! I hope I am, in a good
degree, bowed in humble gratitude before Him who made
heaven and earth. The newspapers brought in. by the pilot
mention the death of Lord Durham, which I truly feel.

At length arrived at Earlham, he writes : —

My own chamber, 8th mo., 23rd. The wonders of the
last week, the flowing in of peace and pleasure, arc almost
past journalizing. After the last entry we had to undergo
the mortification of being compelled to lay-to during the
night, as the pilot was afraid of attempting to go over the bar
at the midnight high tide ; and it was not until ten o'clock
on first day morning, the 16th, that Ave again set sail. In
the mean time no storm occurred, no difficulty arose ; and we
sailed gallantly along the Victoria channel, marked by buoys
and light ships ; weathered the Black Rock ; and, with the
joint help of a steam-boat and fair wind, landed at the Docks
about half-past twelve last first day. The very next night an
awful storm occurred, which, being from the west, might
have driven our heavy-laden ship on the bar. Thus mercifully
and providentially was I again dealt with. My dearest
brother Samuel Gurney, and William Forster, my long-tried,
long-loved friend, were waiting to receive us ; both happy,
both in health, bringing good news of all the circle. The
meeting was inexpressibly pleasant. Wc were most kindly
received by Isaac and T. Hadwen, at whose house we had so
largely drunk of the waters of life, on leaving England. In
the evening we attended the usual meeting, which was large
and solemn. I was much engaged, both in ministry and
prayer, showing the practical nature of the principles which
we profess. Samuel and I proceeded to London the next
morning by the wondrous new railroad. The country looked
the picture of green prettiness. We arrived about seven
o'clock in the evening, at London ; and, on leaving the

240 RETURN HOME. 1840.

carriage, I had the great happiness of meeting ray own
dearest John Henry, with Samuel and Sarah Gurncy.
Nothing could be more joyous than the meeting with my
sister Fry, and all the Upton family and the Buxtons, on our
arrival at Upton. Unclouded serenity and perfect ease were
ray happy lot. Fourth day. Journey to Norfolk in Samuel's
coach, with Fowell, Hannah, and our sister Fry ; read part of
the "West Indian hook to satisfaction ; took the last stage
with John Henry on the box ; arrived at Earlham about nine
o'clock, and was permitted a return home in unclouded
peace and joy, meeting my tenderly -beloved Anna well, and
most happy. Seventh day. Pleasant Norwich day ; easy
and comforting development of affairs at the Bank. Not-
withstanding all sacrifices, I have been singularly blessed
during my absence, in temporals, so that I find myself greatly
at my ease.

To-day we have had a large good meeting in the Gildcn-
croft, in which the signs of the work of divine grace were
unfolded, and I am expecting a public meeting this evening ; a
blessed absence of excitement, an unbroken tranquillity, are
my happy portion. The broad seal bf the Spirit of my God
seems conspicuously to rest on the labours, perils, exercises,
and engagements of the last three years. The Lord be
praised ! The Lord alone be praised ! " Make a joyful
noise unto the Lord, all ye lands ; serve the Lord with gladness ;
come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the
Lord he is God ; it is he that made us, and not we ourselves ;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into
his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is
good. His mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth unto
all generations."

st. 53.

HOME OCCUPATION.

241

»

CHAPTER XXXVI.

1840—41. jet. 53.

publication of the winter in the west indies ; african
civilization society; letters; extracts from journal;
address on peace ; yearly meeting j engagement in
marriage; visit to paris.

The passing through the press of the English
edition of his Winter in the West Indies afforded
an agreeable occupation for some of Joseph John
Gurney's leisure hours on his return home. Another
object which soon engaged his attention was the
African Civilization Society, established principally
through the instrumentality of his brother-in-law, Sir
Thomas Fowell Buxton, with a view of promoting
the welfare of the African race. In consequence of
the co-operation of this Society with the expedition
for the Niger, then fitting out by Government for
purposes of commerce and discovery, but composed
of armed vessels, many sincere friends of the cause,
disapproving of the employment, under any circum-
stances, of the apparatus of war, were prevented
from lending it their aid. Strongly as Joseph John
Gurney was opposed, upon principle, to all war, he
thought himself justified in giving the Society his
active co-operation, relying upon their express
words, as stated in the prospectus, " that its

Vol. II. — 16

242

JOURNAL.

1840.

objects are and must be exclusively pacific and
benevolent" *

The following are from his Journal : —

10th mo., 2nd. * * * My mind has been quite enough
occupied with the subject of the new African Society.
The question, in connexion with our Christian testimony
against bearing arms, has brought me into deep and serious
consideration before the Lord, with a single eye, I hope, to
his will in the matter. On a fair view of the case, I think the
way is clear for my joining and supporting the institution ;
but on one point I am expecting further information. May
I be preserved near the Fountain of light and life, in all my
movements !

10th mo., 21st. I have received delightful accounts of the
general reception and influence in America of my book on the
West Indies ; and cheering testimonies at home from Knibb,
Sir William Colebrooke, and others ; so that I have cause, on
the whole, for encouragement, and for the belief that, through
all, the Lord is blessing the work of my hands. Without his
blessing, what am I ?

11th mo., 12>th. Two weeks have elapsed, and I find myself
still in health and peace with my children in the deep quietude
of Earlham. The first edition of the West Indies sold off ;
and the numerous reviews, &c, private and public, so far as I
have seen, entirely favourable ; which I can ascribe only to the
sparing mercies of the Lord.

11th mo., 21st. On fourth day was our county meeting in
the African cause ; the best materials for a good meeting I
ever saw in Norfolk ; an admirable platform ; but the Chartists
were noisy and turbulent beyond description, and spoiled every
thing. The Bishopf and myself were the principal objects of

* See the Letter to Sir T. F. Buxton, prefixed to the English
edition of the Winter in the West Indies.

"j" It will be recollected that the late Bishop Stanley had, at this
time, succeeded his venerable predecessor, Bishop Bathurst, in the
see of Norwich.

JET. 53.

TO SIR T. F. BUXTON.

243

their violent opposition and abuse. The disappointment was
great to very many. After a fashion, Ave passed our resolu-
tions, and established the Society.

I have thought it best publicly to promote the trial of this
great experiment on Africa, and have given a large sum to
Buxton in furtherance of the object. I have done my best
to hold up his hands, and my judgment is confirmed as to the
course I have taken, on the ground of the vast importance of
the object ; the armed protection, by which it is accompanied,
being solely the affair of Government, and in no way paid for
or promoted by me. After the meeting, the Bishop and many
others dined with us at Earlham ; a Christian party, which
passed off well. I am thankful in feeling this morning
peaceful and quiet. The Lord grant that the ensuing winter
may be spent consistently with his holy will ; and that the year
so marked with changes, begun in the West Indies, carried on
in America, and now winding up at Earlham, may terminate
in peace. May " the peace of God, which passeth all under-
standing, keep our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ!"

TO SIR THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON.

Darlington, 12th mo., 18th, 1840.

Truly sorry am I to hear of thy indisposition ;
I fear we may rather call it illness. Early as well as
auspicious be the sailing of the expedition, that the leader of
our African cause may, without further delay, consign himself
for many a long month to that which he chiefiy wants, —
absolute intellectual slumber. The utmost stretch of thy
mental powers must henceforth be directed to the planting of
Runton. Learn to consider thyself of no importance, and be
an infant once more until Captain Trotter returns. * * * * I

am well satisfied with the part which S. G has so kindly

and nobly taken in the agricultural business. Though I have
too many irons in the fire to allow of my being a partner in
this farming company, I have entire satisfaction in placing my
=£1000 to thy account, according to my promise. It is not an

244

TO SIR T. F. BUXTON.

1840,

investment, but a gift to thee, to be used ad libitum on thy
own responsibility, for the benefit of Africa.

We have general principles, plainly laid down in Scripture,
and .many particular precepts also; but in the application of
these to the innumerable turns and occasions of life, we have
perpetual need to consult the witness for God in our own
hearts, the voice of his Spirit heard in the secret of the soul.
It is the high privilege of the Christian, as thou well knowest
from long experience, to be thus guided. " The anointing
which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need
not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing
teacheth you of all things, and is truth and no lie, and even
as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." Were I asked
what has been the main secret of thy success in the prosecu-
tion of thy great public objects, I should say, "A life of prayer,
dependence on the providence of God, and childlike faith in
the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit." And, in the
view of thy deeply important objects ; in the view also of thy
whole frame and constitution of mind ; not to mention the
rough hits and difficulties to which thou art often exposed ;
I can commend thee to nothing better than the calming,
guiding, qualifying touches of the power of God. * * *

As thou art enabled to move under this sacred influence,
continually to seek for it with all diligence, and patiently to
wait from day to day for the renewal of it, it will, I believe,
continue to work out for thee, most happy effects. It will
clothe thee with the very mantle of gentleness and love
towards all who may oppose or thwart thee in thy schemes of
mercy. It will enable thee, at frequently recurring seasons, to
cease from thy labours of mind, from the whole interior effort
of thy philanthropy, and to find thy rest in God. And it will
so direct thy counsels for the benefit of mankind, that they
will live through every difficulty, and finally triumph over all
obstructions. The Lord will establish the work of thy hands ;
"thy enemies shall see it and be ashamed;" and thy friends
shall unite with thee in praising " the Lord for his goodness
and for his wonderful works to the children of men."

mt. 53.

LETTERS.

245

TO SIR CULLING EARDLEY SMITH.

[In reply, as is believed, to a letter requesting Joseph John Gurney's co-operation
in the "Evangelical Alliance."]

Earlham, near Norwich,

9th mo., 25th, 1840.

Dear Friend,

The pressure of several engagements, mostly
of a public nature, has prevented my giving earlier attention
to thy letter of the 18th.

Heartily do I approve the spirit of thy letter, and of the
article in the newspaper, but I am not yet a convert to the
idea of attempting a Church union among Christians of
different denominations. I mean a union in congregation
or ecclesid, under a given form or system of Church
government.

I am a thorough friend to the Bible Society union, in which
the members of all the churches can join in the furtherance of
a common object, without individual compromise ; but I have
always objected to the notion of turning the Bible Society
into a church, by applying a doctrinal test, and making the
meetings occasions of public worship. Having precisely the
same object in view as thyself, I should aim at it, rather on
the principle that all who love and serve God, and believe in
Jesus Christ, (though under different administrations, and
varying from each other on minor points,) are members of
one true, living, and catholic church, being baptized by one
Spirit into one body.

On this ground, love and fellowship ought to abound
amongst them, notwithstanding their different positions in
the Camp of Israel. As this is the case, though there may
be distinct parts, there will be no rents in the seamless
garment of Christ.

TO THE BAPTIST MISSIONARIES IN JAMAICA.

Earlham, Norwich, 10th mo., 22nd, 1840.

My Dear Friends,

I avail myself of the kindness of our friend
William Knibb, to send you a brotherly epistle on the present

246

LETTER TO THE BAPTIST

1840.

state of affairs in Jamaica, with especial reference to your
peculiar position. I have long been wishing thus to address
you, having, from what I myself witnessed, a high sense of your
services, and being very anxious that they should not be
marred or weakened under the temptations, difficulties, and
misunderstandings, so prevalent at the present time. Having
borne a very decided public testimony to your character and
usefulness, in the work which I have just published, I feel the
more at liberty to express my mind to you, in private, with
all candour and freedom.

I will begin with a subject which, secular as it may appear,
has an obvious and important bearing on the cause of f reedom
versus slaver)/. I mean the continued and increased produc-
tion in Jamaica, of the staple articles of sugar and coffee.
Multitudes of persons are impressed with a notion, that
although emancipation has answered well, as it relates to the
temporal and moral condition of the negro, it is already
proved to be a failure, as it regards the production of these
articles, the prosperity of the planters, and the exports of the
West India colonies. * * *

In my work, I have endeavoured to show that these
desponding notions are founded in mis-apprehension ; that the
difficulty is, in its nature, temporary ; and that, if freedom has
its fair operation, the increased growth of the staple articles,
beyond that of the days of slavery, will be the certain
consequence.

Allow me, my dear friends, to solicit your kind and efficient
help towards the verification of this somewhat bold prediction.
I beg of you to endeavour to impress on the negroes, their
Christian obligations, as cultivators of the soil. I mean the
giving of fair, full, and continuous work, in return for fair
wages. You can easily make them understand how much
their steady industry, in this respect, will promote the cause
of freedom in other parts of the world. I think this subject
ought to be kept carefully in view, in connexion with the
formation of free villages. And, even if vexatious laws are
still imposed and enforced, I believe it will be found a sounder
practice, on your parts, to encourage and exhort them to

<ET. 53.

MISSIONARIES IN JAMAICA.

247

patience and long suffering, and to the return of good for
evil, than to open the door for exchanging daily labour on the
estates, for a retreat to the mountains. It seems particularly
desirable that the free settlements (which, of" course, I highly
approve) should be formed, as much as possible, in, the im-
mediate neighbourhood of sugar and coffee plantations, which
would afford the people ample scope for the daily earning of
wages. Much also wrill depend on the training of the young
mind in your schools, to a knowledge and sense of the obvious
truth, that daily labour in the fields is an honourable and
desirable occupation ; an occupation which will not only
promote the temporal welfare of young people, but harmonize
well with their religious duties.

The Baptist missionaries in Jamaica have been often called
political ; the true meaning of which I presume to be, that
they have been faithful and rightly pertinacious in watching
over, promoting, and protecting the civil rights of the negroes.
For my own part, I hold this to have hitherto been, and still
to be, (in subordination to higher objects,) a very important
branch of their duties. In the prosecution of it, however, it
seems peculiarly desirable to avoid all imprudence and
violence; and to seek after the meekness and gentleness which
are in Christ, as well as to maintain an honest firmness and
plainness. I am inclined to think that Christian appeals on
this subject to the local authorities, from your own respectable
body, would be a better mode of action, than the public discus-
sion of it in the presence of the negroes.

Intelligent as they are, beyond what most people imagine,
they are, at present, but children ; their welfare and happiness
'would be little promoted by their being introduced, even in
self-defence, into the arena of politics. Their patient forbear-
ance and willing forgiveness of injuries have done wonders
for them, and cannot, as I think, be too carefully promoted
and maintained. In the meantime, Christian education, going
hand in hand with the acquisition of property, will be
gradually fitting them for a larger share in the duties and
privileges of citizenship. * * * *

I observed just now, that "you have abundance of influence"

248

TO THE BAPTIST MISSIONARIES.

1840

And now 1 hope you will allow me to make a few remarks, in
the freedom of Christian friendship, on this very point. The
mind of the negro is prone, as you well know, to a peculiar
feeling of deference towards the ministers who give up their
talents and time to the work of instructing him in the truths
of Christianity ; and especially towards those ministers of
religion who, at the same time, protect and defend his civil
rights. This feeling of deference often assumes the form
of childlike dependence ; and, in the hands of Christian
pastors, there comes to be placed a corresponding paternal
power.

Now you and I are well aware of the danger which attaches,
under any form, to what may be described as ecclesiastical
domination, — the power of the priesthood. Thinking, as I
do, that something analogous to it has, from the peculiar
circumstances of the case, devolved upon yourselves, I hope
you will allow me, as a Christian brother, to beseech you, in
the name of our common Master, to watch and pray, that you
may be preserved in reverent humility before the Lord. May
you be enabled to wean the people from all undue dependence
on men ; to bring them under the immediate teaching of
Christ by his Spirit ; to impress upon them the grand truth, that
on the mountains, and in the fields, as well as in the meeting-
house, He is ever near to instruct them in the way that they
should go ; a swift witness in the conscience against all
iniquity ; a preacher of righteousness " according to the power
of an endless life !"

On commencing another volume of his Journal
he writes : —

11th mo., 23rd. The extensive and arduous pilgrimage in
America by land and by sea, has now passed away as a dream.
I am at sweet, dear old Earlham, in health and peace ; my
beloved sister, Eachel Fowler, to whose care over the estab-
lishment, during my absence, I am so much indebted, gone
for a few months to join h(r own family circle ; Catherine

JET. 53.

JOURNAL AND LETTER.

249

living with us in a favourable state of health and spirits ;
John Henry and Anna being my daily comfort, and chief
friends and companions. John Henry is now partner in the
bank, to my effectual relief, and Anna mistress of the house-
hold. Our meeting, diminished as it has been of late years,
by some secessions, some disownments, and many deaths, is
still a church, containing, as I believe, living and faithful
members ; the same remark applies to the Society in Norfolk1'
generally, and indeed to the whole body, as I believe, in Great
Britain and Ireland ; small and scattered, but not forsaken ;
and still bearing its great testimony to the purity, peaceable-
ness, and spirituality of the gospel dispensation. May it,
through infinite condescension and mercy, be yet preserved in
that unity wherein is strength !

TO A FRIEND.

Upton, 12th mo., 7th, 1S40.

Never was our little church, and never were its distinguish-
ing principles, more dear to me than they are at present. I
wish for no change in its doctrines ; none in its Christian
testimonies, none in its mode of worship ; and I crave that I
and my children after me may be enabled to maintain them
all, with holy integrity both in word and deed. This desire
is founded on the conviction that the religion professed by our
forefathers, and so long cherished by ourselves, is nothing
more or less than the religion of the New Testament, " with-
out addition, without diminution, and without compromise."
I wish not to be anything better than a Christian, and can
heartily subscribe to the lines : —

" Where names, and sects, and parties fall,
And Jesus Christ is all in all."
******

The war which was now raging in Syria, and
the threatening of hostilities between France and
England, in consequence of the part which this
country was taking in it, were subjects which at

ADDRESS ON WAR.

1840.

this time painfully affected Joseph John Gurney's
feelings. Referring to them in his Journal, he
writes : —

10th mo., 12th. The dark gathering clouds of the political
hemisphere, indicating approaching ■war, with a commence-
ment of it (an extremity of folly on our parts !) in the East,
have brought very sombre feelings over my mind ; but I
humbly trust that the tremendous evil of war between France
and England will yet be averted. " The remainder of wrath
thou wilt restrain."

Whilst these topics were thus agitating the
public mind, Joseph John Gurney was induced,
at the request of the Committee of the Peace
Society, in London — a recpuest, in full accordance
with his own feelings — to write a brief "Address
to Ministers of the Gospel, and to all Professors of
Christianity on the subject of War and Peace,"
which was soon afterwards published and very ex-
tensively circulated. In the present crisis of public
affairs, when the nations of Europe are unhappily
once more plunging into the horrors of war, the
following extracts from this address may not prove
unseasonable.

* * * Utterly opposed as warfare is to sound policy and
common sense, as well as to that increasingly refined taste
and feeling which are at once the mark and the consequence
of diffused intellectual cultivation, we are brought home to a
confirmed conclusion, that the only sufficient remedy for the
evil is practical Christianity. * * * The root of this worst
of mischiefs is to be found in those wicked lusts and passions
which are absolutely natural to the heart of man. Never
will it be fully cured until that root is uprooted, — until man
comes under the remedial influence of that holy religion

JET. 53.

AND PEACE.

251

through which the old man, corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts, is put off, and the new man is put on — " created after
God, in righteousness and true holiness."

This is a subject in regard to which Christians of all de-
nominations, and of every country, ought surely to unite
their efforts ; that a vast moral force may he gradually raised
in the world, which shall overhear the opposing flood of wrath,
malice, contention, and murder. * * *

There are two views of the subject, which, trite as they are,
can scarcely be too much pressed on the attention of the
religious public — First, the Christian law of love ; and
secondly, the sacrcdness of the life of man.

Few stronger internal evidences exist of the divine origin of
the religion of the Holy Scriptures, than its law of love.
" Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself." * * All Christians agree that, under
the gospel interpretation of the word neighbour, is included
every individual of every nation — the whole family of man. If,
then, we are commanded of the Lord to love all our fellow-men
as Ave love ourselves, it certainly follows that it is unlawful for
us to injure them, any more than we would injure ourselves.

This comprohensive law not only includes our enemies, but
has a marked and especial reference to them. "If thine
enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink ; for
in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head," (to
melt him down, as metals are melted in the fire). " Be not
overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good;" Rom. xii,
20, 21. " Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt
love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto
you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of
your Father which is in heaven ; ^for he maketh his sun to
rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the
just and on the unjust:" Matt, v, 43 — i5. The evil and
unjust amongst men are the enemies of a perfectly holy God ;

252

ADDRESS ON WAR.

1840.

yet he maketh his rain to fall, and his sun to rise upon them,
as well as upon his friends. So we, as "followers of God,"
and "dear children," are to shower down the blessings of
kindness, and to lift up the countenance of love, not only on
those to whom we arc bound by the ties of fellowship or
friendship, but on those who defame, persecute, and shame-
fully entreat us. It is, indeed, a pure and searching law ; an
elevated principle of action ; but the Christian is bound to
adopt it by the authority of Scripture, and is enabled to obey
it by the grace of God.

Now I think it must be allowed by every sound moralist,
that although there are many particular precepts of Scripture
which have a specific relation to certain classes of persons, viz.,
husbands, wives, servants, children, &c, the general principles
of the divine law, such as justice, truth, and mercy, are of uni-
versal applicability to mankind — a remark which obviously
includes the Christian law of love. These general principles,
and that law in particular, comprehend our whole race — every
individual human creature who is capable of understanding it ;
and not merely every individual in a separate capacity, but
bodies of individuals — communities, states, and nations. So far
as the essential principles of morality extend — and love to God
and man is one of the first of them — they ought to govern the
public acts of the united multitude, just as certainly, and just
as strictly, as the private acts of all the individuals of whom it
is composed. The observation applies to all kinds of national
constitutions ; for every form of government is virtually intended
to represent the nation at large, and ought clearly to be imbued
with the spirit of the nation, so far as that spirit is virtuous ; that
is, so long as the national will is conformed to the will of God.

Nations then — under whatsoever form of Government — ■
are bound by sound and unchangeable obligations, to act on
the principles of the divine law. Not only must they observe
towards each other perfect integrity and justice ; but if they
would enjoy the unclouded favour of the Lord of the universe,
they must seek the welfare and happiness one of another;
each nation acting towards other nations as she would that

JET. 53.

AND rEACE.

253

other nations, under similar circumstances, should act towards
herself. More especially ought they to adopt the lessons of
Christian forbearance, and suffer the King of kings — the once
persecuted and lowly, but now reigning and glorified Jesus —
to teach them to love their enemies, to return good for evil,
to overcome evil with good.

To bring the argument now in hand a little more closely
home, let us consider the case of the duellist. A gentleman
of high general character and reputation is insulted. In the
eye of the world, his honour is sullied. He challenges his
adversary, whom a similar false notion of honour impels to
the bloody engagement. One of them falls in the fray. At
an unexpected moment, the gentleman of high repute, blindly
following the guidance of worldly honour in the room of

Christian principle, becomes what does he become? a

murderer. Just so it is with nations, as represented by
governments. One nation considers herself, if not injured, at
least insulted, by another. Her honour is touched ; she
retaliates with threats, and frowns, and armaments ; and soon
the honour (as it is called) of the supposed aggressor, is
equally involved. Acting like the duellist, on the false
notions of worldly honour, in the room of Christian principle,
they both fall to murder on a large scale ; whole regions are
desolated, and blood flows in torrents.

Let us suppose the nation thus described as considering
herself to be insulted, to take Christian principle rather than
worldly honour as her guide — to return good for evil — to
show her good-will towards the aggressor by some singular act
of kindness and respect. Can any man doubt what would be
the result ? Can any man question that the tendency of this
course would be to obtain for such a nation an influence and
ascendency for every wise and worthy purpose, which would
soon establish her honour on ground infinitely firmer, as well
as more elevated, than the grandest pinnacle of human glory ?
******

I shall not, on the present occasion, enter into a discussion
of the question, how far an individual or a nation is, on

i

254

ADDRESS ON AVAR

1840.

Christian grounds, warranted to go in acts or measures of
self-defence. While love, forbearance, and kindness to our
enemies are, under Providence, the main defence and pro-
tection of the Christian, the restraints both of municipal law
for the protection of persons, and of the law of nations for
that of individual states, may still be steadily maintained, so
far as their provisions consist "with the law of God. In their
own nature they are perfectly consistent with the Saviour's
golden rule — " Do unto others as ye would that others (that
is, under like circumstances, and with a fair view of the
subject) should do unto you." But in all such matters, a
limit, as I believe, is drawn around the Christian individual,
and the Christian nation, by the second grand principle
alluded to at the commencement of this address, I mean the
sacredness of human life.

Here I have an especial view to the bearing and character of
the Gospel dispensation. Under the prior dispensation of the
Law, the subjects of man's immortal destinies, and of the awful
realities of the future world, though occasionally mentioned,
were by no means fully developed. A system of temporal
rewards and punishments was in force for the regulation of the
Jewish nation. The command, " Thou shalt not kill," was
limited in its application ; and was understood by the Jews as
offering little impediment either to the punishment of death, or
to war. Both these, indeed, under peculiar circumstances,
were, for a season, permitted and even ordained.

But our Lord Jesus Christ " has brought life and immor-
tality to light by the gospel," and no one, who enjoys the
privilege of a knowledge of the New Testament, can any
longer plead the slightest measure of doubt or obscurity
respecting the true nature and consequences of death. As
Christians we cannot for a moment conceal from ourselves
the awful fact, that when w7e destroy our fellow-man, we con-
sign him to a state of never-ending existence ; and that this
eternal existence must be happy or miserable, according to
the actual moral condition of his soul when he quits this state
of being ; a condition respecting which God alone is the judge.

2ET. 53.

AND PEACE.

255

What countless multitudes of persons, full of angry and violent
passions, persons whom we cannot reasonably believe to have
been prepared for death, have been suddenly consigned to judg-
ment and eternity, by the " red right hand" of war !

Amidst the numerous examples which crowd upon the memory
of the reader of ancient and modern history, in illustration of
this remark, it is almost useless to attempt selection ; the
general fact is too notorious to be for a moment denied. It
may not, however, be useless to remind the reader, that the
number of human lives destroyed in the wars of Napoleon, is
computed, on authentic premises, to have amounted to four
millions ; — unutterably awful sacrifice to the Moloch of ambi-
tion! An example on a smaller scale, but peculiarly calcu-
lated to afflict the feelings of every humane and generous
mind, is furnished by the very newspaper of the day, which is
now lying before me. In the account just received of the
capture of St. Jean d'Acre, that stronghold of Syria, by the
allied fleet, chiefly consisting of British men-of-war, it is stated
that the bombardment lasted only three hours, and that during
this short space of time 2500 persons in the town were slain !
A great part of this horrid work of death was effected
through the blowing up of a powder-magazine, which event is
thus described in the report : — " At about four P. M. a sensa-
tion was felt on board the ships similar to that of an earth-
quake, which was subsequently ascertained to have been a
tremendous explosion (no doubt from one of the steamer's
shells) of a powder-magazine ashore, launching into eternity
no less than 1200 of the enemy." Afterwards, the writer
says, " the town is one mass of ruins ; the batteries and most
of the houses literally riddled all over ; the killed and wounded
lying about in all directions; bodies cut asunder; some with-
out heads, others without legs and arms ; hundreds dying from
the blood flowing from their wounds, and no one near to help
them." x\nd again, "The scene presented to-day by the
town is indescribably horrible, the whole neighbourhood of the
explosion being a mass of killed and wounded, men and beasts,
tossed together indiscriminately."

25G

ADDRESS ON WAR.

1840.

I feel that I should have been guilty of injustice to my
reader, had I omitted the recital of the physical horrors of
this melancholy scene ; but the point on which I am now in-
sisting is that " launching into eternity," of which the reporter
speaks with so much ease and familiarity. Here is a subject
of infinite solemnity. Here, on the part of the warring nation,
is the assumption of a responsibility which (as I believe) no
events can warrant, no politics justify. I apprehend that the
Christian, on the plain principles of the Gospel in which he
trusts, will find it impossible to escape from the conclusion,
that as God alone bestows the natural life of man, so God
alone can rightfully take it away.

^ * ^ %

I am well aware that the two principles which I have at-
tempted to advocate in this address, are at present far from
being generally received, in what I believe to be their legitimate
extent, by the professors, or even the ministers, of the Christian
religion. For my own part, I believe they will bear a close
scrutiny ; and that as they come to occupy the serious reflec-
tion of sober persons of every name and class, we shall hear
no more from the pulpits of the professed servants of Christ,
of the glories of victory, or even of successful armed defence.
The songs which celebrate these carnal triumphs will find no
echo in any place which is regarded as the house of God ; no
longer will they be the theme of the solemn offerings of sup-
plication or praise. The ministers of Jesus, following the
example of their divine Master, and influenced by his Holy
Spirit, will plead for peace, without reserve, and without ex-
ception. The whole Christian public, at home and abroad, will
be gradually imbued with "peace principles." The mind of
that Christian public will act with ever-increasing moral force
on the mind of each respective government ; and finally, the
nations of the earth, succumbing to the sceptre of the Prince
of Peace, will repose together under the banner of love. The
word of prophecy is express and unquestionable — " Nation

SHALL NOT LIFT UP A SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL
THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE."

mi. 53.

JOURNAL.

257

Whilst iti London for a few days at the com-
mencement of the following year, (1841,) Joseph
John Gurney had the opportunity of an interview
with Lord John Russell, then Secretary of State
for the Colonies. In a letter which, at Lord John
Russell's request, he soon afterwards addressed to
him, he entered into a full explanation of the points
referred to in the interview ; warmly advocating
the protection of free lahour, and adverting, at
some length, to several other topics of importance
to the welfare of the negroes.

3rd mo., 1th. Through infinite compassion, my way to
heaven seems much clearer than before I left England for
America ; and I am decidedly less tried in the prospect of
death. Probably I shall not live to be an old man. The
Lord make all things straight and easy in Christ, for one of
the most unworthy of his children !

First day evening, Zrd mo., 28th. A degree of quiet
peacefulness is, through mercy, experienced this evening. In
the afternoon meeting, on the bended knee, I blessed the
Lord for his goodness, and, in the morning, spoke of the
confounding of the wisdom of the wise in the gospel of a
crucified and risen Lord. I afterwards found that an
unbeliever was present.

4f 7i mo., 4th. I have been invited to go to Paris, in the
Anti-Slavery cause, which I have declined in favour of a
journey to Elm Grove with my children, which Ave propose
taking in a few days. 0 Lord, thou knowest that I desire to
be enabled to will and to do of thy good pleasure. May it
please thee in the riches of thy love and mercy, to guide me
■with thine eye, to teach and instruct me in the way that I
should go !

■ith mo., 25th. Our journey has been performed greatly to
my satisfaction, and Anna and I returned home with my
sister Rachel Fowler, last evening. I am in decidedly

Vol. II. — 17

258

YEARLY MEETING.

1841.

improved health, and peaceful in mind. Read during the
journey my American letters, to our mutual pleasure. Since,
German New Testament, and two duodecimo volumes of De
Tocmeville on American Democracy, in French; a well thought
out, reasoned, and written hook, quite an amusement to me.
I am also going through the Portahle Evidence, to examine
what alterations are needed, or whether any.

5th ?no., 10th. Dear Anna Gurney left us this morning,
after a delightful visit of four days. She is in great brightness
of mind. We dearly love and prize her, and are much united.
She read us her Grecian journal, greatly to our pleasure, and
I hope, instruction.

5th mo., 11th. This evening completed the correction of
the Portable Evidence, with a view to the objections made to
the tendency of some passages. I think the objections were,
in fact, nearly groundless ; yet in my plea for the divine
authority of Scripture, I had not always expressed myself
quite so guardedly, as might have been desirable. The work,
as corrected, contains nothing, as far as I know, which can
offend any sound Friend.

N.B. — I have not the smallest objection, but on the contrary,
every wish, to alter or expunge any thing which can be pointed out
to me, in any of my works, at variance from the truth in its
primitive simplicity, purity, and spirituality, as it has been always
held by the Society of Friends.

After attending the Yearly Meeting in London,
he writes : —

Upton, first day night, 5th mo., 30f^. On fourth day,
I the 19th,) the Yearly Meeting commenced ; interesting and
edifying has the whole occasion been. Meetings for worship
at Devonshire house on sixth day ; at Plaistow on first day
last; and at Gracechurch-strect, on fourth day; all excellent:
a precious flow of the anointing, as I believe. The Yearly
Meeting ended in much solemnity on sixth day evening.
Yesterday we had our concluding meeting of ministers and
elders, at which a very satisfactory minute was entered on the
books respecting the return of my certificate. In the after-

JET. 53.

ENGAGEMENT IN MARRIAGE.

259

noon a good anti-slavery meeting, for the purpose of dis-
cussing the sugar question. Dr. Lushington and I both
made speeches, and I hope the subject was pretty well
cleared.

In allusion to a circumstance that was now
deeply interesting his feelings, he continues:: —

It remains for me to record a rich blessing which has been
bestowed upon me since I have been in this neighbourhood,
in a most happy, good understanding, with my beloved friend
E. P. Kirkbride ; * our covenant being fully made to the
pleasure and satisfaction of our friends. This great blessing,
together with the near and precious unity of the Church,
which has received me back into its bosom, (after my long
absence,) with all cordiality and affection, has filled my soul
with tranquil joy, and true heartfelt gratitude.

In the sixth month, in company with his brother
Samuel Gurney, and his friend Josiah Forster, his
daughter, and sister-in-law Rachel Fowler, Joseph
John Gurney spent a few days in Paris, principally
with the view of promoting the cause of emancipation
in the French West Indian colonies. They obtained
interviews with the king, and some of the most
influential members of his government, in most of
which Joseph John Gurney embraced the oppor-
tunity of stating the results of his own observations
in the West Indies, in connexion with the question.
The following is an extract from one of his letters
during this visit to Faris : —

First day, 6th mo., IZth. At half-past three, yesterday, we
were engaged to call on Guizot, to converse with him, and to

* The daughter of Joseph Kirkbride, of Bridesburg, near Philadel-
phia, who had been, for some time, on a visit to her friends Jonathan
and H. C. Backhouse, at Darlington.

260

VISIT TO PARIS.

1841.

give him my testimony, as an eye-witness, of the benefits of
emancipation. Our aged friend Thomas Clarkson had earnestly
begged me to do so in the spring, and now I was fairly bound
to the work. Guizot is a Protestant, I doubt not, on convic-
tion ; however he may be, at times, carried by the stream of
politics over some lines, which we deem to be important. He
has a highly intellectual countenance and great powers of
mind; and is evidently the soul of the present French govern-
ment. I felt the prospect of this interview, almost as weightily
as I did that of the public meeting at Washington ; well
knowing the importance of the subject, and of the consequences
which might arise from our conference. After a little waiting,
we were introduced to the minister, and were received with
real kindness. We sat down together, and nearly the whole
time was occupied by the statement which I was enabled to
make, I trust with some degree of clearness and force, of the
results of emancipation in our colonies. He is familiar with
English, so that I had the advantage of explaining the subject
in my own tongue. Nothing could exceed his attention. We
attempted no more, his time being up ; but the deed was done ;
and we parted with the understanding that he would read my
book, and that we should renew our conversation next third
day, when we expect to dine with him. We found the Baroness
Pelet at the hotel waiting our return, and much did we enjoy
an hour's conversation with her. She is all sympathy with us
in our labours.

The work of the day being, through mercy, well over, -\ve
went a drive in the evening to Napoleon's magnificent
Triumphal Arch, at the Barriere de l'Etoile, which we as-
cended ; and amply were we repaid for our fatigue, by a very
delightful and explanatory view of Paris and its environs.
The fires being of wood, no dingy smoke confuses or obscures
the beauties of the metropolis, Avhich, as so seen, are indeed
almost unrivalled ; but it was affecting to think of its more
than a million inhabitants, so many of whom are given up
either to superstition, or to vice and infidelity, not to mention
nonchalance and frivolity.

XT. 53.

VISIT TO PARIS.

261

But religion in its purer forms, even here, is making decided
advances, and education, with the distribution of the Holy
Scriptures, is effecting much good. Altogether the deportment
of the people seems to me to be less lightsome and wanton
than when I was last here about twenty-four years ago.

One hundred and sixty thousand men are now at work on
the absurd object of fortifying Paris ; absurd in a national
point of view, though it is likely enough materially to increase
the power of the Crown ; for, politically speaking, Paris is
France, and the lord of the armies will henceforth, we may
conclude, be the undisputed lord of Paris. The troops
quartered in the city alone amount to 40,000, — the standing
army of the United States multiplied by six or seven. The
rage for military glory is the peril and curse of the French
nation, and one is afraid to think what may be one day the
effect of the bursting forth of the volcano. In the mean time
the Roman Catholic priesthood is playing its part with its usual
consummate policy, and is evidently both cementing and extend-
ing its power. The church plays into the hands of the armed
power, and the armed power into those of the church.

Who shall say what will be the end of these things, and
what the process before the end comes ? Yet may we not
entertain the sure hope that the " stone cut out without
hands," even the spiritual dominion of Christ, will, in due
season, triumph over all, and expel both superstition and
violence from the earth, which it is destined to fill ?

FROM THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA.

Bishop's Palace, Calcutta, July 3rd, 1841.

My dear Friend,

I perceive that you have now returned from
your long and useful tour in America and the West Indies ;
and I cannot but express to you the very high satisfaction
with which I have just read your Winter in the West Indies,
sent to me by Sir Fowell Buxton, — (never were civic honours
better conferred,) — whose efforts, now that Wilberforce is no
more, seem to rival those even of that distinguished person,
though in a different way. The gentle, the persuasive, the

262

FROM THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA.

1841.

eloquent, the fascinating public statesman, the friend of Pitt,
was required to propose the great question. Lord Grenville
and Mr. Fox were put into office, I verily believe, to carry it.
Then Fowell's energy, boldness, practical habits, perseverance,
have been raised up, to crown the efforts of his predecessors.
* * * You may judge, therefore, my dear friend, with what
delight I read the first proofs of the success of the Emanci-
pation in the West Indies, as respects every point, moral,
religious, political, and commercial. The rise in the value of
estates is alone conclusive. Your account of your interview
with Sir C. T. Metcalfe was doubly interesting from my
intimacy with him for seven years in India. * * *

I am still in tolerable health for one in his 64th year, and
am chiefly labouring against those Semi-Papists, the Oxford
Tractarians ; who really seem a judicial infliction, a branch of
the Apostacy, partaking of that strong delusion of which the
apostle speaks. Things are moving on here, though slowly,
especially at Krishnaghur, sixty miles from Calcutta. What
we want is " Showers of the Holy Ghost." Ezek. xxxiv, 26.

Soon after his return from Paris, Joseph John
Gurney believed himself called to engage in a
much more extensive service upon the continent
of Europe.

" Having had an opportunity," he remarks, " of endeavour-
ing to impress on the slave-holding government of France, the
practical advantages of emancipation, as proved by experience
in the British West Indian Colonies, I was anxious to lay the
same evidence before two other governments similarly cir-
cumstanced, though not to so great an extent ; Holland,
holding about 60,000 slaves as I understand, chiefly in Dutch
Guiana ; and Denmark, holding about 40,000 in her West
India Islands. But this was far from being the exclusive, or
even the principal object which I had in view. I had long
entertained the belief that some directly religious service on
the continent of Europe awaited me, and I was comforted to

JF.T. 53.

FURTHER LABOURS IN PROSPECT.

2G3

find that my beloved sister Elizabeth Fry was under a similar
exercise of mind, and had very much the same places in
prospect as myself, in Holland, Denmark, Hanover, and
Prussia.

A few days before leaving home, he writes in his
Journal : —

7th mo., 18t7i. I do not wish to forget that life is short
and uncertain. It is an inexpressible mercy to be permitted,
notwithstanding all discouragements, to repose, with some
degree of tranquil confidence, on the bosom of the Saviour.
There may I ever find an availing rest !

2G4

DEPARTURE FOR THE CONTINENT.

1841.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

1841. jet. 53—54.

departure for the continent j rotterdam ; gouda ; the hague )
visit to the king and queen of holland ) amsterdam;
bremen ; hamburgh.

Having received full certificates of the unity and
concurrence of their friends, Joseph John Gurney,
with his sister Elizabeth Fry, left London for
Rotterdam, on the 31st of the 7th rno., 1841,
accompanied by his daughter, and their niece,
Elizabeth S. Gurney.

The following are extracts from his letters written
during this journey : —

Rotterdam, first day, Sth mo.. 1st.

"We arrived at the beautiful quay of this city, amidst abun-
dance of noble shipping, at six o'clock this morning. I had
been told that Rotterdam was a disagreeable place, the hotels
bad, and the people uncivil ; but we find the contrary of these
things to be true. We have excellent apartments at the Hotel
Pays Bas, are kindly treated, and have enjoyed a quiet walk
about this handsomely built and orderly town. The lofty,
well-painted houses ; the canals every now and then serving for
streets ; the rows of trees beside the river ; and the crowded
ships, boats, &c, wherever the river or canal runs, all strike
the eye agreeably. As we passed along, we were glad to
observe no infraction of the Sabbath, the shops being
universally shut. I find from our agreeable elderly friend,
John S. Mollet, of Amsterdam, who is kindly come hither to

mt:. 53.

ROTTERDAM.

265

meet us, that the various places for worship here, and in other
Dutch towns, arc well attended; and he speaks of "many
serious people" who dwell here. There is no political distinc-
tion among the sects; all are tolerated, and all, as in America,
are on a level ; but the Government pays the ministers of the
several denominations. The usual salary is upwards of
.£200 per annum, which is increased by the voluntary con-
tributions of the flock. The Dutch, however, have no taste
for spending their money ; they are rich and parsimonious, the
more sparing, perhaps, in consequence of being more severely
taxed than any nation in the world. Although only two mil-
lions and a half in population, they raise a revenue, chiefly
by direct taxation on property and income, to the amount of
six millions sterling. High qualifications are required for
electors. Republicans as they have been for centuries, they
have no notion of a low and generalized democracy ; yet they
do not greatly admire having a king bestowed upon them —
inflicted on them, they would say. * * *

In our walk about the city, this morning, we observed, on
one of the bridges, a statue of Erasmus, somewhat larger
than life. He is standing, in bronze, on his pedestal, clothed
in a long gOAvn, and turning over the leaves of some ancient
folio. His countenance equals that of Sir Isaac Newton,
under the hands of Roubillac. However wanting he was in
moral courage, Erasmus was far from being destitute of
enlargement of heart, as well as intellect, or of nobility of
character. On the bridge at Rotterdam, he looks like his
nobler self, when the veteran refused some high honour
offered to him by Ferdinand of Austria; declaring, that
honours conferred on hiin would be but like a burden
imposed on a falling horse — sarcina equo collabenti imposita.
To complete my journal, I might tell thee of the neat appear-
ance of the people, the starched caps of the bonnetless
women, the broad brims and long coats of the little boys, and
the unwieldy clattering wooden shoes, which abound on
every side : but on these points I need not expatiate.

It is a high privilege to be the companion of my beloved

ROTTERDAM.

1841.

sister. She lias a cheering and happy influence over our
party, and over all whom she approaches. It is curious and
instructive to observe the little congregations of young and
old, which she gathers round her on ship-board and else-
where ; always for some good purpose ; always with a view to the
welfare of her fellow-men, and the glory of her God and Saviour.

Rotterdam, Sth mo., 2nd.

We were favoured with a solemn and edifying meeting last
evening, in company with a considerable number of pious and
well-disposed people, who received our gospel message with
kindness. And now, at the close of another interesting day, I
sit down to continue my Journal. After an early breakfast this
morning, we walked through many a street and beside many a
canal, among quickly succeeding scenes of evident commercial
thrift, to the "boys' prison." There we found about 150 crimi-
nals, all under eighteen years of age ; a poor prison, in point oi
construction and accommodation, for the juvenile offenders of
all Holland ; but, in point of discipline and management,
excellent. The prisoners of the first or worst class, are kept
in silence : those of the second class may converse a little ;
those of the third, or best class, as they please. We found
almost all the boys in the school, which is admirably con-
ducted, no punishment having been given in it for two years.
The master exercises a powerful moral influence, and the lads
make great progress in useful learning. The Scriptures are
read to them daily ; and when not in school, they work as
carpenters, shoemakers, and tailors, being allowed about half
their earnings. This proportion is subdivided into halves, one
of which is reserved for them against their leaving prison, and
the other is spent at the Canteen, a little shop within the walls,
where various articles of food and convenience are sold.

This last part of the arrangement we could not approve, as
the daily allowance of food is sufficient ; and the extra
indulgence thus afforded may be one reason that many of
them, after being dismissed, return to their evil habits, and
find their way back again to the prison. Another impedi-
ment to their improvement, is their sleeping in large

JET. 53.

GOUDA.

267

companies closely packed; for solitude by night is an almost es-
sential point in prison discipline. After all, human devices for
reform arc in vain, unless God is pleased to touch and change
the heart. This happily appears to have been the case with a
considerable proportion of these youths ; and thus their re-
formation springs from the Fountain of all good. We ad-
dressed them in English, and John Mollet interpreted for us
into Dutch.

This duty performed, we hired a carriage, and drove
twelve miles through the country, northward to Gouda.
We were much interested by this little journey, which gave
us the opportunity of seeing Holland, as it truly is, — an
artificial country, redeemed from the sea, and preserved from
it by vast mounds, green, fertile, flat, intersected by almost
innumerable canals. These canals serve three purposes ;
they are at once the channels, roads, and fences of Holland.
We passed by a large number of country villas, every one
surrounded by small canals, and adorned with a flowery
Dutch garden, and a summer-house for smoking and tea-
drinking, at the edge of the ditch-water, which is generally
stagnant and green with vegetable corruption ; — no wonder
that fevers and agues abound ! Yet the neat appearance of
these residences, the curious parterres, the green shutters, &c,
are cpuite attractive and agreeable. The country itself much
resembles our Marshland, and low Lincolnshire ; justly is it
called "Waterland;" for taking into account the ponds, lakes,
and rivers, as well as the canals and ditches, the water is said
to occupy a full half of the Netherlands. Wind-mills are
seen in great profusion, and are used for a variety of purposes,
but chiefly for draining the marshes. The large white water
lilies, as well as the yellow common ones, abound ; and
storks of a great stature are often seen stalking over the
meadows. The natural soil of sand and mud affords no solid
foundation for houses, which are built on piles driven into the
earth ; a remark which applies to the cities of Rotterdam and
Amsterdam, as well as to the country districts. The indus-
trious Dutch, however, turn their mud into good clinkers, with
which their roads, in the utter lack of stones, are neatly paved.

2G8

GOTTDA.

1841.

Gouda is a considerable town, neatly built. Here there is
a manufactory of tobacco-pipes, -which employs G000 people.
Our object was the famous women's prison for all Holland,
a very inadequate building, containing nearly 400 women
criminals ; one class for misdemeanors, and the other for
greater crimes. The discipline and moral care are admirable ;
they are well employed, instructed, fed, and clothed ; their
costume singular enough. We were joyfully received by two
ladies who visit the prison, after the example, and, I believe,
through the advice formerly given, of my beloved sister.
Our visit to the institution was highly interesting ; and some
religious service occurred, with the help of interpreters, with
each class of prisoners. Many tears were shed, and we trust
some lasting effect may have been produced. My sister's
visit here last year has been productive of important im-
provements, especially the change of men turnkeys, for
suitable female officers, " les ga?'diennes." The criminal
women, like the boys at Rotterdam, are paid part of their
earnings, and re-enter the world accustomed to habits of order
and industry, and with money in their pockets. Yet many of
them revert to crime, and return to prison ; such is depraved
human nature.

We returned home to a late dinner ; and this evening have
been holding a philanthropic meeting with more than 100
ladies and gentlemen, including the English ministers of the
Episcopal, Independent, and Scotch congregations, and many
of the Dutch, who could understand either English or French.
I recited the story of the West Indies to a very attentive
audience, after which our dear sister read a chapter in Isaiah,
and addressed the company with much sweetness. All ended
well ; books and kind words were distributed in abundance,
every one seemed to get his or her portion, and so the day
ends in peace.

The Hague, Sth mo., 4th.

We left Rotterdam yesterday morning after an early semi-
breakfast, and drove "two hours" distance, as they say
here, to this beautiful city. We enjoyed our family reading
in the coach during the first stage, our friend J. S. Mollet

MT. 54.

delft; the iiague.

269

being with us. We changed horses at the handsome old
town of Delft ; so well known for its polished earthenware.
There we visited a large "church" in which is to be seen the
monument of William I., the Prince of Orange, who was
assassinated in 1584, by order of Philip, king of Spain, after
having delivered the Netherlands from the double yoke of
Spain and Popery. We afterwards saw, in the Museum here,
the homely leathern garments, and broad-brimmed hat, in
which he was attired at the moment when the assassin shot
him. I suppose he may be reckoned among the best of the
great warriors of the earth ; but he was a warrior still,
untaught in the Christian lesson of suffering wrong and
taking all consequences. In the same building is the tomb of
Grotius, whose vast learning and ability in defending the
Christian religion is celebrated upon it, in doggerel Latin verse.
He was, I believe, born at Delft, and died at Rostock, in 1645.
Anna and I enjoyed our drive on the outside seat, from
Delft to the Hague ; six miles ; chiefly through a long avenue
of elms ; and we arrived in time for a second breakfast at the
Hotel Bellevue, which commands a pleasing view of the
king's deer-park, and the public walks.

The Hague is a very agreeable-looking place, the streets
clean and handsome, no appearance of commercial activity,
the prosperity of the town depending on its being the seat
of government. The king has one palace in the city, and
another near at hand in the country. The city contains
50,000 inhabitants, who appear orderly enough, not to say
dull ; but we have already become acquainted with several
interesting people. While my sister was arranging her papers,
the young people and I visited a large model of Peters-
burg, which is said to be of extreme exactness. The houses,
streets, gardens, palaces, &c, are well set up in miniature, in
the proportion of an inch for twenty yards, I believe ; and
after some time spent in examination, one seems to get quite
familiar with the place itself. In the mean time, a good many
persons had collected at the hotel ; the Groen Von Prinsterers ;
the widow of Baron Fagel and her daughter ; Baron Von
Capel, who had spent many years in Java ; some warm

270

THE HAGUE.

1841.

Friends to the Anti-Slavery cause, and Capadose, the con-
verted Jew, whose truly remarkable history is before the
public. He is a very interesting man, warm-hearted in the
cause of Christ ; his humility and gentleness are striking.
After much conversation, my sister read the Scriptures ; and
I afterwards found it to be my duty to utter some sentences
in ministry not very accurately, I fear, as to my French, but
I trust, under a measure of that which gives life. It was a
favour to conclude the day with a feeling of religious
solemnity.

Amsterdam, 8th mo., 8th.

After writing my last letter, I sat down with my sister,
John Mollet, and a sub-secretary of the interior, to digest
a report to the government respecting the prisons, many
of which my sister had seen in the course of her former
tour in this country ; so that she could now draw a com-
parison somewhat favourable as it regards their present con-
dition. This done, we drove to the palace of the Prince of
Orange, the heir apparent, whose wife, a daughter of the
King of Wurtemberg, had summoned us to an audience.
We both addressed her, under serious feelings, respecting her
important responsibilities as the probable future queen of this
country.

In the afternoon we called on that really devoted Christian,
Dr. Capadose, the converted Jew, whose pious wife and lively
children, as well as himself, interested us much. Afterwards
we dined at Lady Desbrowe's, being met by Sir Alexander
and Lady Malet, — the former, Secretary of Legation, the
latter, step-daughter to Lord Brougham ; agreeable people,
who seemed drawn to us by a feeling of affection ; and
Count Sanft, the Austrian minister. Sir Edward Desbrowe,
the British minister, who had been absent on a journey, re-
turned home before dinner was ended. He is a very spirited,
sensible man, an old diplomatist, and much interested in the
cause of education, freedom, &c. It was pleasant to see his
young children clinging round him on his return. I was
obliged to leave this agreeable company, being sent for by the
Prince of Orange. I drove to his palace, and was soon intro-

MT. 54.

THE HAGUE.

271

duced to his private study. He received me standing, but
"was remarkably kind and open in his manner, probably about
twenty-five years old. I spoke to him on the subject of
slavery, and afterwards very freely on the importance and
efficacy of simple primitive Christianity. I felt a true Chris-
tian love for him and desire for his welfare, and have a hope
that the interview may not be entirely in vain. On my return
to our ambassador's, I found that orders had been received for
Lady Desbrowe, my sister, and myself to meet the king and
queen at the Palais du Roi, the next day at half-past one ; so
that now the close exercise of mind which I had felt with a
view to this visit seemed likely at last to have a practical result.
My sister and I spent the latter part of the evening with our
friend Groen Von Prinsterer and his wife, persons of distinc-
tion in the world, but of marked simplicity and piety. We
were mentally refreshed in their company, and after this very
full day were glad indeed to retire to rest.

Yesterday (seventh day) formed a peculiarly interesting
conclusion to our stay at the Hague. The two dear girls and
I breakfasted with a widowed lady, of the name of Fagel,
whose pleasing manners and unaffected piety reminded us of
the Baroness Pelet, at Paris. She has two daughters at home
with her, and a son twelve years old, full of life and amiability,
who is the heir to the Fagel estate, being the only male now
in that family, one of the most distinguished in Holland.
We were favoured with a very good family sitting after break-
fast. The ladies speak English well. I had to minister to them
all, and to pray earnestly for them, especially for the young
heir ; and it was, through mercy, a time of great tenderness.
At twelve o'clock, we held a short lively meeting for worship at
our hotel. The Desbrowes, Malets, Groens, Fagels, and many
other interesting people were there. Above all, the L'ord
condescended to show forth the sweetness of his power and
presence. The truth was, I believe, plainly spoken. Sir E.
Desbrowe said afterwards that it was " everything that could
be desired." The time was now come for the royal interview.

272

INTERVIEW WITH THE KING.

1841.

On our arrival at the palace, we were ushered into a hand-
some drawing-room, where we were kindly received by an
aide de camp and two ladies of honour. After some time of
waiting, some large folding-doors opened, and the king and
queen entered with the princess Sophia, their only daughter,
aged eighteen. The king, who appeared to be verging towards
sixty, is rather tall, thin, bright-looking, and very gentleman-
like and easy in his manners. The queen, grave but kind ; of
a majestic person, quite interesting ; the young princess quiet
and pleasing. Everybody, as well as themselves, continued
standing during our interview, which lasted considerably more
than half an hour. It was to our feelings a time of divine
favour, and we were both enabled to speak very plainly to
them. They were evidently immediately attracted to my
sister, whom the king questioned very pleasantly as to the
first origin of her prison visiting, and as to her family, &c.
She gave the history well, and unfolded the state of the
prisons of Holland in a lucid manner.

She then mentioned my West Indian tour ; on which I gave
them my recital fully and clearly, yet as concisely as I
could, pressing upon him the duty and safety of abolishing
slavery in his own dominions. I felt helped in the service, and
the opportunity of performing it was a peculiar relief to my
feelings. I then gently, but pointedly, attacked the vile prac-
tice of the Dutch on the gold coast of Western Africa, (where
they have a settlement,) of enlisting negro soldiers, by high
bounty money, to serve as troops in Java and Surinam, a prac-
tice which entails the same horrible anterior steps in the heart
of Africa, as the slave trade itself. I knew it was some-
what of a risk to mention the subject, but I felt it to be my
bounden duty ; and to my surprise, though our diplomacy had
failed in the matter, the king immediately gave way, and
declared his intention to put an end to the practice.

Afterwards my sister spoke to the king on the subject of
education, and on the lamentable fact, that (out of a sort of
false honour to the Roman Catholics) the Bible is at present

^3T. 54.

AND QUEEN OF HOLLAND.

273

entirely excluded from the public schools of Holland. The
law of the land itself, as the king told us, excludes religion
from the schools, on the ground of their being equally for all
sects of Christians, and even Jews. My sister pointed out
the fallacy of this plea, and it was cheering to observe how
cordially he assented to our doctrine, that education, without
scriptural instruction, was merely giving power without a right
direction, and that religious principle is the only true founda-
tion of virtue. My sister had then a little private chat with
the queen ; and, after a reciprocal and hearty exchange of
blessings, we parted ; the royal personages retiring through the
same folding-doors, as had given them entrance. We brought
with us Fowell's book, and the West Indies, for the king ; and
my sister's prison book, and my Essay on Love to God, for the
queen. I also presented to the king an address of the Anti-
Slavery Society. A text-book was presented to the young-
princess ; and the queen, soon after we had left her, sent a
pressing despatch for another for herself. May she imbibe
many a precious truth from it! She is the youngest sister of
the Emperor of Russia, and a member of the Greek church ;
evidently a person of benevolence, and, I think, serious feeling.
On our way back to our hotel, we paid a farewell visit to
Schimmelpennick, the minister of the interior, through whom
we are to present our report ; and about three o'clock drove
off from the Hague, in safety and peace.

On our way we spent an interesting hour at Leyden. The
vacation prevented our seeing either the professors or the
students. We visited Temminck's wondrous collection of birds,
and other animals at the museum, and rambled over the
apartments of the college, but were too late to obtain
admission into the library. The drive of eighteen miles from
this interesting old town, to the equally fine city of Haarlem, is
through pleasant avenues, green meadows, and handsome villas,
on either side. Anna and I rode outside, and enjoyed it much.
Time forbade our attempting to stop at Haarlem. We drove on
in the dark to Amsterdam, and took up our comfortable quarters
at the Target Hotel, at half-past ten at night.

Vol. II. — 18

274

AMSTERDAM.

1841.

Amsterdam, fourth day morning, 8th mo., 11th, 1841.

Our work in this place seems now to be terminated, and
we are about to start for Bremen, where we hope to spend our
next Sabbath, it being a journey of four days. We wish to
get to Copenhagen with the least delay possible. Amsterdam
is a striking city of 200,000 inhabitants. The houses lofty,
and some of them very handsome; large canals running
through many of the streets, which, when so watered, are
called Groets. The Hemengroet is the residence of the
aristocracy ; a wide canal with trees on either side, and
a long row of handsome, neatly-painted houses behind each
row of trees. The grotesque steeples are numerous and good-
looking ; the gable-ends of many of the houses front the
street ; there is a fine palace, for this is, in fact, the capital ;
and the whole place has a truly foreign appearance. Two
drawbacks there certainly are ; an almost perpetually n;cist
atmosphere, and the offensive odours of the abounding stag-
nant water. The people have, in general, the appearance of
neatness and comfort, and the streets are crowded.

Our Sabbath passed off satisfactorily. We sat down at one
o'clock in our own meeting-house, a neat little place where
dear John S. Mollet worships in solitude every first day.
The meeting was attended by about one hundred people, some
of whom came out of mere curiosity, and glided off as soon as
they were satisfied. Many others were evidently gathered
into deep serious feelings, and I believe the ministry which
flowed on the occasion was attended with power. Some of the
young people seemed much affected, and have been frequenting
our meetings since, which description, in fact, applies to several
other persons.

In the afternoon, Elizabeth, Anna, and I, ventured on a
quiet walk along some of the "grachts" and "straets," and
quite enjoyed the handsome yet grotesque appearance of the
place. All the shops were shut, and everything betokened
the observance of the Sabbath. In the early morning, I had
noticed the ladies going to their places of worship, with neat
Bibles in their hands In the evening we met at our hotel

MT. 54.

AMSTERDAM.

275

for the reading of the Scriptures. Some thirty or forty per-
sons attended. My sister read the seventh of Luke, and
commented on it very sweetly. I afterwards addressed the
company in unison with her remarks. It was, I thought, a
hallowed season.

On second day, I was engaged in writing a long letter to
the King, recapitulating the various points of our conversa-
tion ; this I despatched to the care of our ambassador, the
next morning. I felt it a weighty undertaking, but I believe
I was enabled to execute the task pretty Avell. At noon
my sister and I partook of a second breakfast with W. H.
Suringar, a Christian philanthropist of a very interesting
character, whose attention has been most usefully directed to
the prisons. He is justly called the Howard of Holland. He
is a man of genius, and has written an excellent "handbook"
for the use of the prisoners. At three o'clock he and John
S. Mollett, and J. M.'s pious agreeable wife, (not a Friend,)
united with us in a visit to the prison. The department
allotted to girl criminals for all Holland, is admirably con-
ducted under the care of visiting ladies, set to work by my
sister in her last visit, and a good matron. We had a satis-
factory religious opportunity with them. The rest of the
prison is chiefly filled with prisoners for trial . It is crowded
with men and women, the two sexes separate, otherwise there
is a total absence of classification, as well as employment, and
very little religious care. It is precisely such places as these
that are the hotbeds of crime.

On my return to our hotel, I held a long and interesting
parley with a planter from the Dutch settlement of Surinam
on the north-east coast of South America ; and in the evening
we had a reunion of about 100 persons, consisting chiefly of
merchants and men of business, many of whom were con-
nected with the Dutch colonies, and with slavery. I addressed
them for about an hour, in order to prove to them from facts
which I had myself witnessed, the agricultural, mercantile,
and pecuniary advantages of the abolition of slavery. It was
a thorough man-of-business oration, adapted to Dutchmen
attached to their ledgers, and it is considered to have had

276

JOURNEY FROM AMSTERDAM

l&ji.

important effects, having been attentively listened to, and well
received. I wound up with an appeal to Christian principle,
in which I was admirably followed up by my dear sister.

Yesterday was spent by her under the care of John
S. Mollett, is the inspection of the workhouses, hospital,
lunatic asylum, and a visit to the ladies who manage a dis-
trict society for the poor. The best thing she saw was the
Jews' hospital, which is well conducted. The psalms of David
are read to the patients three times a day, a good example for
Christian institutions of the same nature. I was too much
occupied by finishing my letter to the King, and some other
matters of necessary business, to allow of my going with her.
At eight o'clock in the evening, a final meeting took place
in our large saloon at the hotel, which was crowded with inter-
esting people. It began with an address from my sister on
prisons, lunatic asylums, and schools. I followed ; and soon
the blessed tide of divine influence rose in an extraordinary
manner, and it became a solemn favoured meeting, in which
the glorious gospel was declared in a measure of the power of
an endless life. This meeting entirely cleared us of Amster-
dam. Many were the books and tracts distributed on the
occasion. We parted from our numerous friends, who gene-
rally understood English, in the Sowings of true love, and left
the place at nine o'clock this morning in health and peace.

Bremen, Seventh Jay night, Sth mo., 14th.

I am truly thankful that, after a journey of three days and
n half across the country, not altogether without difficulty.
Ave are safely arrived at this singular and beautiful city.
Our first day's journey was in every way agreeable ; the
country from Amsterdam to Deventer being through a well-
cultivated and pleasant country, the latter half being some-
what less flat, and much more diversified than the lowlands to
which we had hitherto been accustomed in Holland; the pro-
duce of the country, rye and potatoes, besides hay, to which
may be added tobacco, which seemed as flourishing as in the
southern states of America, but I suppose is of an inferior
quality. The consumption of this fascinating weed among the

ML 54.

TO BREMEN.

277

Dutch is enormous, almost every Dutchman having his cigar
or long twisted pipe frequently in hand. We passed by a
number of pretty villas, and one of the king's country palaces,
and Anna and I quite enjoyed riding outside when the weather
permitted. We paid a very interesting visit in .the course of
the day to a family of sisters, named Iddeking, living in a
handsome Dutch villa near the pretty old town of Amerspoort.
There we were entertained with a Dutch second breakfast at
one o'clock. We were much pleased with the genuine and
lively religion of the elder sister, who has been one of the
chief prison visitors in Amsterdam. She is an invalid, con-
fined upstairs, and was greatly pleased by my sister's visit.
It is always an advantage, in travelling through a country, to
see the people in their own houses, and in their own way of
living. Into the way of this advantage, our circumstances
threw us almost daily, and I suppose in an unusual degree.
We arrived at Deventer at a late hour in the evening. It is
an old fortified town of about 15,000 inhabitants, on the
banks of the Ysel, a wide river running through green
meadows. One Colonel Stanley, under Queen Elizabeth, pre-
ferring his religion to his patriotism, being a Roman Catholic,
gave up the place to the Spaniards near the close of the 16th
century. On fifth day our journey lay through a dull heathy
country, and several poorish little towns. The most attractive
sight, which caught our attention, was the large flocks of
black and white sheep, with the shepherds or shepherdesses
always in attendance. I believe these flocks follow them, for
" they know their voice." The Deventer gingerbread, which
is very famous, formed part of our fare ; but I do not think
any of us were the better for this luxury. Nordhoorne was the
first town we reached in Germany. It is in the dominions of the
King of Hanover, which we continued for some time to traverse.
A more unfruitful or desolate kingdom I have never seen. We
dined in the afternoon at an old town called Lingen, where my
sister had been before, and was recognised by the landlord with
no small expression of pleasure and kindness. In the evening we
pursued our track towards this place, a route quite new to all the

278

JOURNEY FROM AMSTERDAM

1841.

party, and we had heard enough to frighten us, of the badness
of the road. It was indeed an almost fearful sand that we
passed through that evening for many tedious and difficult
miles, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg ; until we happily
arrived at Hassburg, a pretty little town on the banks of the
Hase.

We should have managed fairly enough, had not my dear
sister become very poorly during the night; but she got some
good sleep towards the morning, and we pursued our journey
to the successive towns of Loningen and Cloppenburg ; poorish
places, and a poor country ; until we arrived at a somewhat
larger, but equally desolate-looking place, still in the Duchy
of Oldenburg, called Wilderhausen. In making a detour
through a sandy country full of holes, in order to avoid the
long-continued mass of new stones laid upon the road, we
unhappily broke the strongest iron fastening of one of the
springs of our heavy-laden carriage ; so that during most part
of the day we went on in jeopardy, not knowing how soon we
might be irretrievably let down in some part of that difficult
country. All this was rendered the less acceptable because of
my dear sister's evidently delicate condition. However we
reached a very poor inn at Wilderhausen in safety, and were
relieved in the morning to find our invalid somewhat recruited
by a fair night. Here I succeeded in hiring a rough wagon,
in which we stowed our luggage, in order to lighten our
broken carriage, and in which, for a similar purpose, Anna
and I took our seats.

New hopes rise with the morning ; and truly entertaining
was our journey of fifteen miles, to a place called Delmenhorst,
where we found a capital breakfast, in a neat airy post-house,
with sanded floors. In the course of our drive, and during
the day before, we frequently observed large boulder-stones of
granite by the roadside, bearing obvious marks of the action
of water ; the country being itself sand, so that these stones
must have been driven thither from some distant mountain
by the force of flood. Strange pillars, and grotesque crosses,
were also often visible on the roadside ; and, in one case, the

JET. 54,

TO BREMEN'.

270

vast boulder stones seemed to have been arranged in the form
of a Druidical temple, like a miniature Stonehenge. The
country is in parts Roman Catholic, and in others, Lutheran ;
but the Lutherans have suffered the images of our Saviour, by
the sides of the road and elsewhere, to remain unmolested ;
one proof, among others, that they did not carry out the
Reformation to its fulness.

We entered this very interesting town [Bremen] at noon,
without any further mischief to the carriage; passed the noble
Weser ; drove through numerous neat, white, narrow streets,
with lofty grotesque houses, their sculptured gable-ends facing
the street on each side ; and descended at the Lindenhof, as
comfortable a resting-place, and as commodious and cleanly
an hotel, as can easily be found. Our way had been kindly
prepared by a letter from the Consul, William Oestricks,
whom we met at Amsterdam ; and most kind and agreeable
was our welcome. I was thankful for such a receptacle for
my dear sister, so applicable to her present need.

Hamburg, 8th mo., 17th, 1341.

Remarkably interesting and satisfactory was our visit at
Bremen. Our Sabbath there proved rather an extraordinary
one. At half-past ten our kind friend, the senator Caesar,
called to conduct us to the two remaining prisons ; the first a
maison forte, or house of correction ; the second a maison
oV arret, or place of detention for prisoners on trial. My sister
was only just able to undergo the exertion, but she was amply
repaid ; for I have seldom seen a greater effect produced on
criminals than by her address to a considerable company of
poor women, interpreted by a lady of high station in the town,
a kindred spirit to herself, one of those sweet, refined Christian
women of whom we have already seen several. We had also
a good meeting with the men prisoners. In the maison d' arret
we found a large number of prisoners, before their trial, in
solitary confinement, — an unjust practice common on the
Continent. The details of the great principles of justice
and mercy are less understood among foreigners than in
England. The excuse for this practice, is to prevent such

280

BREMEN.

1841.

communication between the prisoners as might interfere with
their conviction. In the former of these prisons I saw one of
those horrid cells, of which the floor, walls, and seat, are all
composed of sharp-pointed angular bars of iron, so that the
prisoner is kept in a perpetual state of unrest, and even of
torture. They assured me it was never used; but a few years
ago one of our Minden Friends, who refused to serve in the
army, was subjected to this barbarous kind of imprisonment.
It is however, a great comfort to believe, that horrors of this
character are very much gone out of use.

In the course of our drive to see the prisons, we were much
pleased with the public walks on the banks of the "Weser. They
form avast pleasure-ground, of which all the citizens of Bremen
avail themselves as they please. In connection with these
grounds, are the neat white villas of the principal merchants.
We visited one of them, the summer retirement of our
friends the Lurmans, and a more entirely elegant retreat I
never saw.

At three o'clock in the afternoon we held our own meeting
with about twelve serious Germans, including Charlier, who
was formerly with Friends of Stoke Newington, and acted at
Bremen as interpreter, with ability and feeling. It was a
truly precious time, in which water was drawn rather
abundantly, I believe, from the wells of salvation. Spiritual
religion was proclaimed to a spiritually-minded few. This
was also the case in the large, and, in prospect, formidable
meeting, which was held that evening in a spacious room at
the Museum ; from 300 to 400 people present, I suppose.
My sister unfolded her prison concerns with peculiar clearness,
and was enabled to give it a religious turn in a very effective
manner. I also gave some account of the free negroes in the
"West Indies, and was afterwards enabled to proclaim the great
truths of the Gospel with distinctness; there being the evident
feeling of divine power over the meeting. At the close of it
we were addressed in German by the Pastor Malet, in a
lively and interesting manner. Books were distributed in
abundance, and it would be scarcely possible for me to describe
the flowing of love towards us, which marked the expressions

JET. 54.

nARBuna.

281

and manners of the people when the meeting broke up. Many
persons of influence, including the Pastors of the town, were
there.

Such meetings arc forbidden by law ; but we were so well
introduced, that we met with no obstruction. The place has
been much distracted ; the Rationalists having been waging a
polemical warfare against the more religious part of the com-
munity ; and having nearly succeeded, as we have since been
told, in displacing three eminent evangelical ministers. Our
testimony on the side of plain Christian truth seems to have
been peculiarly timely ; and, by a letter since received from
one of our friends, the effect has been important. Thus we
had again to acknowledge the wisdom and kindness of that
guiding hand which brought us to Bremen, whither wc had be-
fore no intention to go. It is one of the Hanscatic towns, united
with Hamburg and Lubec ; contains about 50,000 inhabitants,
and is governed by a senate and burgomaster. The inhabitants
seem happy and prosperous. It was pleasant to observe the
numerous families of the bourgeois class, drinking tea out of
doors, in their little gardens, on first day evening. The
commerce of the town is thriving ; and the Exchange, on
seventh day, presented a crowded scene of busy traffickers.

We left Bremen, with minds greatly relieved, on second
day morning, several of our friends coming to the Lindenhof,
our comfortable hotel, to witness our departure ; and there
was quite a crowd at the door to bid us an affectionate
German farewell. We were favoured with a prosperous jour-
ney, to Ilarburg, on the Elbe, about sixty miles through the
Hanoverian territory, which somewhat improved upon us. I
observed patches of wheat and oats, as well as fields of rye and
potatoes ; and it was amusing to watch the storks, and occa-
sional large flocks of sheep, partly white ones and partly black.

We found the little town of Harburg crowded ; it was the
market-day, and the costumes of the people were very
showy ; the girls in neat caps, gilt or silvered all over.
There we dined, and at half-past six took the steamer, for an
hour's voyage down the beautiful Elbe to Hamburg. The

282

HAMBURG.

1841.

approach to that city and Altona, which joins it, is very
striking ; and, as we neared the pier, I could have almost ima-
gined that I was once more about to land from the Delaware,
at Philadelphia ; but the numerous spires of Hamburg did not aid
the delusion. Crowds of people in the steam-boat surrounded
my sister, who had tracts to distribute, their eagerness for a
supply being extreme ; but we soon found our stores exhausted.

We were conveyed in our carriage, after leaving the boat,
to the Hotel de Russie, and in the evening received a call
from Amelia Sieveking, an unmarried lady of a good family,
who is devoted to the welfare of the people, a most industrious
and effective philanthropist. She is Christian instructress to
a number of young ladies, who spend the morning with her ;
and she manages a District Society for the poor. It is
pleasant to meet with such people, — sound and sober faith,
manifested in works of love and mercy. Her reputation is
far spread in these parts ; but she seems a simple, humble
person, as well as very sensible.

Our way here seems remarkably opening, so that we are
again furnished with evidence that the hand of a good and
kind Providence is near to guide and help. Yesterday we
were visited in the morning by the Syndic Sieveking, minis-
ter for Foreign Affairs in this little Republic. The " four
Syndics " are the ministers of the sovereign body, which
consists of 24 senators and 400 liverymen. The Common-
wealth, thus governed, has a mixture of good and bad in its
constitution. They contribute 1500 soldiers to the force,
ordered by the diet of Germany ; and for this and other
expenses are taxed considerably, the annual outgoings being
eight millions of marcs banco, which amounts, as I understand,
to .£200,000. Capital punishment is almost unknown, it
being twenty-five years since an execution took place. Yet
we have seen in the jails several murderers. These are
confined at labour for long terms of years. There is a great
want of free toleration, no new sect being allowed to hold
meetings for worship in the place. The English Baptists who
did so, some time since, were for a time much disturbed and

^?t. 54.

HAMBURG.

283

persecuted. Now they hold their meetings in private houses,
and consider their cause to be prospering.

The Syndic Sieveking is a first-rate man, and kindly un-
dertakes to arrange our proceedings. We were visited
yesterday by the Senator Hudtwalker, who is a man of piety
and great influence. In the afternoon we called on the once
persecuted Baptists, who have an excellent shop for tracts,
Bibles, &c. We are to receive them for a private interview at
our hotel this evening, as we find their brethren are still
persecuted in Denmark, whither we are next going. After-
wards we drove into the country, along the delightful banks
of the Elbe, and called on the Hanoverian Consul, Ilanbury,
to whom we had a letter, at his tasteful country-seat at
Flotbeck. In the evening the Syndic Sieveking, and his
cousin, the philanthropist, spent an agreeable lively time
with us, and I trust we had the true feeling of religious
unity with them.

To-day we have been fulty engaged for some hours in
visiting the prisons, all of which evince care and kindness,
but there are many defects. Many of the poor fellows are
heavily chained. We shall, I believe, present our report to
the Government ; I hope not in vain. Some of the religious
opportunities with the prisoners were truly affecting. We
have engagements appointed for the rest of the day ; also for
fifth and sixth days, and two meetings ; and on seventh day
we intend going to Kiel, in order to take the steam-boat for
Copenhagen.

In allusion to the remaining three days spent at
Hamburg, he says: —

It was a memorable time, during which the hearts of many
were remarkably opened towards us, and towards that cause
of truth and righteousness, which we were earnestly desirous,
however feebly, to promote. We had a large company one
evening at our hotel, among whom was the Syndic Sieveking,

284

HAMBURG.

1841.

and many others, who appeared abundantly willing to listen
to any suggestions which we could offer of a philanthropic
nature. A morning was spent in an interesting visit to the
Rauhr Haus, an institution, in the country, a few miles from
Hamburg, chiefly under the care of the Syndic, for the
reception of young men convicted of crime, or otherwise
marked as disorderly characters. Here, without the scourge,
or the fetter, or even the lock, I believe, they are boarded and
lodged in several distinct families, under a kind of parental
superintendence, and are taught a variety of useful handicraft
arts. They are carefully instructed and trained, under the
authority of law, to regular moral and religious habits.
Hymns are a frequent devotional exercise with them, if
exercise it may be called ; for experience proves that it is easy
thus to excite and arrange a service of the lip, while the
heart is far estranged from its Maker. Most of the care-
takers of this institution have been led into the service as
volunteers, by a sense of duty and the influence of Christian
love. Here, as I apprehend, is the great secret of that con-
siderable measure of success, in the way of reformation, with
which the effort has been blessed.

After a full inspection of the Rauhr Haus, we met a large
company at the neighbouring villa of the excellent Syndic, who
is a man remarkably without prejudice, largely informed, and,
on Christian grounds, a citizen of the world. In the evening,
we found a crowded assembly at the house of the truly
Christian Senator, Hudtwalker, when, at Sieveking's request,
I related in English, without interpretation, some of the
remarkable circumstances in the life of Wilberforce. After-
wards, my beloved sister addressed them, with the admirable
accompanying interpretation of Amelia Sieveking, (a woman,
like herself, devoted to the welfare of mankind,) on the subject
of religious toleration and liberty. This is a sore subject at
Hamburg ; for the little republic, the pattern of freedom, has
been fixing its tyrant fangs, by way of cruel restraint at least,
into the little Baptist body. Never did I hear a subject more
ably or more boldly handled, and yet with that tact, gentle-

JET. 54.

HAMBURG.

285

ness and grace, which utterly forbad the kindling of any
opposing passion. The impression made was evidently great.
We afterwards presented a written address on this and other
practical subjects to the local Government ; and left the city
on seventh day morning, after having been favoured to find,
or make, many friends in it.

28G

VOYAGE.

1841.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
1841. jet. 54.

progress to copenhagen j engagements there; visit to the

KING AND QUEEN OF DENMARK ; VISIT TO FRIENDS AT PYRMONT
AND MINDEN J HANOVER J BERLIN ; JOURNEY INTO SILESIA ; VISIT
TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA J RETURN HOME.

Copenhagen, 8th mo., 23rd.

It is strange to be at last at this place, which I have
been so long intending to visit ! After leaving Hamburg,
with all its rapid interests and engagements, it was a rest
and refreshment to travel quickly along an excellent mac-
adamized road, through the pleasing, cultivated country of
Holstein, to Kiel, a thriving town on the sea-coast. We
reached that place about three o'clock, and called on Pastor
Harms, a pious Lutheran minister, who could not speak
a word of French or English, but whose spirit, Christian
expression of countenance, and warm salutations in German,
truly refreshed us. At seven o'clock we took our places in
the "Christian VIII," an admirable steam-boat, built at
Glasgow. The weather had been very fine, but exceedingly
hot all the day ; and no sooner had our voyage begun, than
the sky became overcast, and a violent thunder-storm, with
hail, &c, followed. After a time, however, the sky cleared,
and we had a fine night, smooth sea, and prosperous, though
somewhat fatiguing, voyage. We had distant views, as we
proceeded, of Laaland, Zealand, and Sweden ; and passed
close by the headlands of Moen, exceedingly beautiful ;
chalk cliffs, 400 feet high, finely broken and crowned with
beech woods. It was a lovely scene, something like the

JET. 54.

TO COPENHAGEN'.

287

coasts of Hayti. The approach to Copenhagen is also very
striking ; and pleased enough were we to arrive there about
one o'clock, after a voyage of only eighteen hours. We were
met on our arrival by Peter Browne, the British Secretary of
Legation, a very agreeable Christian gentleman, from Ireland ;
who informed us that the queen had provided apartments for
us at the Hotel Royal, considering us as her guests. She
kindly intended to pay all our expenses, but we thought it
best politely to claim our independence, and to pay our own
bill. Peter Browne and his wife, and Roerdam, an interesting
young pastor, sent to us by the queen, spent the evening with
us, and we had a comfortable reading and religious opportunity
at the conclusion of our day. P. Browne was obliged to
leave us for Sweden the next day, after introducing me to
George Ryan, a liberal slave-holder, of Santa Cruz, (willing
to emancipate,) and to Sir Henry W. W. Wynn, the British
Minister Plenipotentiary.

Peter Browne's wife, who is a decidedly religious person,
and truly kind to us, then took my sister and me to the
queen, at her private palace in town, whither she had come
ten miles from her country i-esidence on purpose to receive us.
We found her with two of her ladies and RafFord, a French
reforme paste ur, who is her almoner. I have seldom
seen a more pleasing woman — forty-five years of age, digni-
fied in her appearance, but at the same time, kind and
warm-hearted. It seemed a real delight to her to see my
sister again. We explained the objects of our mission, and
arranged our plan of visiting the prisons. She took a lively
interest in the whole affair. When this business was gone
through, she conducted us, in two of the royal carriages, to
her infant school, my sister and one of the ladies accompany-
ing the queen, whilst Rafibrd and I followed in the second
carriage. It was very interesting to sec the queen with her
multitude of poor infants, questioning them out of the Scrip-
tures, &c.

On third day our prison-visiting commenced. Accompanied
by our friend Katherine Browne, Von Usten, a leading man
of the police, and Federsen, a Government Inspector, who

288

COPENHAGEN.

1841.

also proved one of our best friends, we proceeded to the Dom
Haw, or police prison, chiefly for untried prisoners. It was a
long task to go through it, especially as it abounded in defects.
That of religious instruction, bibles, &c, is very grievous; and
we were little pleased by observing a horrid dungeon, and
some tremondous whips.

We were aware' that Peter and Adolph Munster, two
Baptist ministers, were confined in the better division of this
prison, (for it consists of two distinct parts,) for their infraction
of the rules of the state religion. Peter had already been
there nine months, Adolph for a shorter period. It was a
subject which had previously deeply interested us, there being
no toleration of sects in Denmark, and we hoped that our
seeing them, as a matter of course, in our prison visit, would
open the door for our service in the cause of religious liberty.
We found them, each alone, in pretty comfortable apartments,
and were greatly interested and pleased by them. They
had all the appearance of sensible and pious men, the elder
brother, Peter, a very superior person. We managed to con-
verse a little in German. After a lunch at the hotel, we
again set off for the Stock-haus, or place of slaves, where
are the criminals, (all men,) who are condemned to hard
labour for many years ; a large number for life. They go
out chained into the streets to work. They are under the
care of a kind captain of the army, who willingly summoned
them from their work to hear our addresses, which were
interpreted for us by our friend, Julius Schiested, a gentleman
living near Copenhagen, who has acted as our faithful friend
in that important capacity ever since our work there began ;
and who is now accompanying us to Lubec. They were also
addressed by the celebrated pastor, Grundtwig, a truly
spiritual man, who seems to depend on a divine influence in
his preaching. It was evident to us that the unction accom-
panied his words, though we could not understand them.
Thomas Shillitoe's meeting in this prison, and visit to the
Court, seem to have left a lively impression.

On fourth day we spent many hours in examining the Zucht-
haus, or House of Correction, a vast prison, ill built, and

JET. 54.

VISIT TO THE KING.

289

old, containing 600 or 700 criminals ; 200 women. Many of
the religious opportunities were highly interesting and affect-
ing, especially with the latter.

In the latter part of the morning, we drove to the citadel,
where we found about fifty prisoners, for long terms ; a sad
abode indeed, with no counteracting advantage. They looked
pale and unhealthy, but received our addresses with attention
and apparent gratitude. * * *

Fifth day was appointed for our visit to the king and queen
at Sorgenfri, their pretty country residence. It was to me
a weighty affair ; indeed to us both, as we had very
important communications to make. Before we left Copen-
hagen, I paid a private visit to the prison, to Peter
Munster. I was anxious, before I saw the king, to know
exactly his state of mind, and to what point he could con-
scientiously yield. I found him remarkably moderate and
satisfactory. After a drive of ten miles, we arrived at the
palace. The queen was ready to receive us, and gave us a
hearty welcome. We came, by agreement, half an hour
before the dinner, which was fixed at four o'clock, in order to
see the gardens. The queen walked out with us, but without
losing her dignity, arm in arm with my sister. The grounds,
which are beautifully diversified with hill, dale, wood, and
water, are open to the public, among whom she was constantly
met with warm tokens of love and respect. She took us at
last into her private garden, and we sat together in her arbour ;
the conversation very interesting. Truly did she excite our
affectionate and lively interest in her welfare.

A messenger soon arrived to inform us that the king
(Christian VIII.) was in the drawing-room. Thither we
repaired, and were received by him with a kind welcome
and a friendly shake by the hands. He is a handsome,
sensible-looking man, with a benevolent smile, the thorough
gentleman in his manners; about my own age, or perhaps
rather older. Around us were a company of clergymen in
their gowns, officers of the household, ladies of honour, &c.
The dinner passed off very agreeably. My sister sat between
the king and queen, and we all found ourselves in good company.

Vol. II. — 19

290

SORGENFRI.

1841.

After dinner my sister and I accompanied the king and
queen into a balcony, fronting the pleasure-grounds ; my
sister then gave the king an account of his prisons, and
endeavoured to infuse her views of a just and reformatory
prison discipline. I interpreted in French, when necessary ;
the king talking no English. Before she quite finished, the
terrace, immediately below the balcony, was filled by a large
company of orphans from the asylum in Copenhagen, having
been conveyed to Sorgenfri in twenty-five carts, to enjoy a
holiday and meet "Madame Fry." Below the terrace spreads
a green lawn, on which the public was assembled to witness
the spectacle. The weather was delightful ; and the scene
uncommonly interesting. The orphans sung the usual
national songs in honour of the king and queen, who both
behaved most kindly to them. A sudden shower occur-
ring, the king commanded them all to be brought into the
saloon, when they were addressed by my sister, interpreted
for by Prince Bentheim, who declared, in the midst of his
interpretation, that her speaking was " un don de Dim;' — ■
not far from the truth, I believe.

During the whole of this remarkable scene, I had some
anxiety lest I should lose the opportunity of speaking to
the king about the West Indies, which I had so much and
so long desired. But he did not forget business, and no
sooner were the orphans withdrawn, than he took me into the
queen's boudoir ; and there he and I were shut up alone
together for an hour and upwards. Most interesting to my-
self was our conversation, in which he took a sensible and
earnest part, candidly stating his objections, and putting his
finger on what he deemed weak points. 1 was enabled to
speak French to him with facility, and gave him a full recital
of what I had seen, both in the British and Danish West
Indies, clearly explaining to him the whole of my views and
Avishes respecting the latter. The queen and my sister then
came in ; and the latter now spoke to him on our last point —
the want of religious toleration in his dominions, and the
persecution of the Baptists. * * In conclusion he requested us
to come again on the following "Sunday" to dine with him.

MT. 54.

COPENHAGEN.

291

and bring our proposals in writing ; but the queen excused
us, telling him that we were to hold a meeting that even-
ing at our hotel. It was at last fixed that we should come to
him on that day, about noon, to which we could not feel the
least objection, as the object was only to do good. After
having thus fully relieved our minds, we took tea with them,
and accompanied our friend Katherine Browne to her house
in the country to lodge. In that sweet place of large trees,
and entire quietness, close by the sea, called Roligted, mean-
ing peace, we ended the day in the same ; and the next
morning returned to Copenhagen. There close business
awaited us : I had to write out the whole of our prison speech,
and of my Anti-Slavery views, for the king ; two long and
carefully-digested reports, which Schiested translated for me
into Danish. This occupied most of sixth and seventh days
but we were favoured to accomplish it well.

On sixth day evening several ladies and gentlemen came to
us, and we laid the foundation of the Prison Discipline Society
for Denmark. On seventh day evening we had a reunion of
nearly 200 people of the elite of Danish society ; the large
assembly-room at the hotel being filled. My sister spoke well
on prisons, being interpreted for by Schiested, and I gave
them the West Indian story. Nothing could exceed the
interest and love of the people. First day was truly
memorable. A precious meeting with the Baptist flock, at
nine in the morning. This done, we again drove to Sorgenfri,
and enjoyed a satisfactory interview with the king and queen.
We were alone with them for nearly two hours, and Avhile the
king looked at the Danish copies, we read to him our respective
reports in English. Thus the whole of our subjects, including
toleration, were completely put into his mind. It was a very
business-like interview, but ended in some sweet religious
intercourse. I spoke fully on the necessity of their supporting
simple, sound Christianity, in the midst of the rationalism
of priests and people with which they are surrounded.

We next called on the Queen Dowager, at Fredericksburg.
She is seventy-four, an afflicted widow, of a pleasing person,

292

PYRMOXT.

1841.

and reminded us of our late dear aunt, Jane Gurney. She
was greatly affected by the interview. In the evening we had
.a good Friends' meeting at the hotel, attended by many pious
people, chiefly of the upper class ; it was a blessed ending of
the day. I cannot add more ; suffice it to say, that we are
now safely at Lubeck.

Proceeding from Lubeck, by way of Hanover,
they came to Pyrmont, where there is a small body
of persons professing the principles of Friends.

Pyrmont, 9th mo., 5th, 1841.

* * * We arrived [here] at nine o'clock [yesterday
evening] and were warmly welcomed at the " Staat Bremen ;"
with the inmates of which my sister and our niece were already
familiar. The people seemed delighted at their return. Our
friend, August Mundhenck, met us ; and we arranged our
meetings with him for the next day. He is an interesting,
religious young man, prospering in business, but I hope
bound to a better cause ; to us a great helper as an in-
terpreter, as he speaks English well. We attended the usual
meeting at ten o'clock ; about thirty Friends, and perhaps
twice the number of others. My sister spoke first, explaining
our manner of worship ; after which I was much engaged in
preaching the everlasting gospel, Mundhenck interpreting for
me sentence by sentence. In the afternoon, the Friends held
their two months' meeting. We were very glad of the oppor-
tunity of attending it, singular as it was, to have all the pro-
ceedings in German. I thought the business well conducted ;
men and women sitting together. When it was concluded,
I spoke, and my sister followed. I afterwards prayed. The
little flock seemed much comforted, and their tears flowed
abundantly. In the evening we had a further meeting at the
hotel. I was much engaged in ministry, as was my sister,
and the meeting again ended in prayer. It was a blessed
time ; the Lord's power being, as we believe, over all. Thus
we continue to have abundant cause for thankfulness ; and

MT. 54.

PYRMOXT.

293

ccvtainlv it is a great comfort to be once more with Friends.
I feel very quiet; my mind not high, but unruffled; and, after
seme little perplexity, our path for the remainder of the
present month seems opening before us with a good degree of
clearness. We expect to get through our visit to the dear
Friends here by to-morrow evening : and to effect a similar
object at Minden, on third and fourth days, so as to return to
Hanover on fourth day night. It is our desire to be preserved
from going out of the way which the Lord is pleased to cast
up before us; and in no degree to do "our own pleasure,"
except when it falls in with his ; but I never felt more entirely
unworthy, except for Christ's sake, or more entirely unfit,
except through the direct influence of the Spirit, for the least
participation in the work and service of the Lord. It is a
great satisfaction to me to have this opportunity of facilitating
the course of my beloved sister, as from place to place she has
been eminently qualified for her work ; and many, very many,
are they who rise up round about her, and call her blessed in
the name of the Lord.

Hanover, Fifth day, 9th wo., 9th.

My last journal was despatched from Pyrmont on second
day, bringing me to the peaceful dawn of that morning, after a
good public meeting the evening before. August Mundhenck
joined us after breakfast, and then accompanied my sister and
me to the three families of Friends residing in the town, two
of them widows with daughters, the other a widower with a
daughter and three grown-up sons. We also called on Dr.
Manky, who is a person much interested in natural history,
and very kind to the little flock of Friends. These visits were
very pleasant ; and I believe "the word preached" was applicable
to the condition of the parties. This duty performed, we drove
to Friedcnsthal, or the valley of peace, one mile and a half
from the town, a lovely place, where reside John Seebohm,
(Benjamin Seebohm's brother,) and his large family ; the late
Louis Seebohm's widow and her daughter, and August Mund-
henck and his little girl ; separate houses, but one community,

294

PYRMONT ; MINDEN.

1841.

connected with a large establishment in the wool trade. At
the distance of half a mile is the village of Lowensen, where
the Parset family, and the widow Tellgemann and her daughter
live. The families mentioned compose the whole of the little
society; certainly a very pleasing and interesting company.
We dined at half-past one, at John Seebohm's, the whole
family circle being assembled. It was a very pleasant occasion,
and was concluded by a precious time of religious communi-
cation. [In the evening] I joined my sister and our faithful
interpreter, Mundhenck, in a visit to the two families at Low-
ensen ; after which, we met a large assembly of the work-
people of the factory, and others, at Friedensthal. It was a
good meeting, in which the truths of the gospel, and its prac-
tical application, were plainly set forth. We returned to
Pyrmont, after an affectionate and touching leave-taking, late
at night; and about eight o'clock the next morning, third day
the 8th, set off, with Mundhenck for our guide, for Minden.

On our way we visited one of the great prisons of the State
of Hanover, at Hameln, a town which during the French war
Avas laid waste by Napoleon. My sister had seen it last year,
when she found the prisoners, even when at work, heavily
loaded with irons. She had represented the case to the
Government ; and the late queen, who died in the summer,
particularly requested, during her illness, that all my sister's
suggestions might be attended to. The happy consequence
was the removal of all the chains, by which both the comforts
and conduct of the prisoners have been much improved. It
was interesting to observe the warm and joyful welcome which
my sister met with in this prison, where she was already
known, both by the prisoners and their keepers, and even by
the old soldiers on guard.

On our way from Hameln to Minden, we passed through
the town of Biickeburg, beautifully situated in the rich
valley of the Weser, surrounded by lofty wooded hills,
descending precipitously on one side ; the range assuming, in
consequence, the appearance of a stair-case, laid horizontally
on the earth. This is the capital of the small independent

JET. 54.

VISITS TO FRIENDS.

295

principality of Lippe-Sehaumbcrg. The inhabitants of the
district were flocking to the town, for it was market-day. I
never saw so original a costume ; the women in fine reds, with
gay gilded caps descending in a point over the forehead, and
large necklaces of pure amber. The men in neat frocks, dark
blue stockings, and broad-brimmed hats, with supporters.
They seemed to us an innocent and agreeable people. We
arrived at the strongly-fortified town of Minden, on the Weser,
about three o'clock ; found a good hotel ready for our re-
ception ; dined, and spent the afternoon in religious visits to
two families, the Peitsmeyers, and the Schelps. John Rasche,
the principal Friend of the place, and the widowed father of a
large young family, was also called upon. At seven o'clock
in the evening, a public meeting assembled in crowds, in a
large room at the hotel. It was, I believe, a good time, and
notwithstanding the bustle of a crowd which we could not
accommodate, the great truths of the gospel of Christ appeared
to have free course among the people.

The next morning, after sitting with the two families of
Rasche, we held another large meeting, in a capacious public
room. It was a time when the true anointing was evidently
poured forth ; and great indeed was the attention of the
people. After the meeting was over, the Friends retired into
their own meeting-house, a humble upstairs room, which
would have been utterly unsafe for the multitude which we
had just dismissed. Including the children, there were, I
suppose, about forty present, and a very precious time we had
with them. Afterwards the children, who are numerous, sat
down in the school kept by the honest and pious Schelp ; and
,1 was greatly pleased both with their cleanly and sober
appearance, and the readiness with which they answered my
Scripture questions. On the whole, we are cheered in the
belief, that there is true life in the body, and that the " can-
dlestick" will not be removed " out of its place."

After a short visit to the prisons, and a little meeting in
one of them, (the prison for soldiers,) we left Minden in much
quietness and peace. We were anxious to reach Hanover,
forty-five miles, in good time at night ; but were stayed on

29G

BUCKEBURG ; HANOVER.

1841.

our road at the picturesque Biickeburg, where we found that
the Princess, (sister to the Prince of Pyrmont,) had set her
mind on holding a philanthropic meeting. A large company
met us at the hotel. My sister spoke to them on her usual
subjects, with remarkable effect, after a few introductory
sentences from me ; and I afterwards concluded the meeting,
with a brief but expressive declaration, as I • hope, of gospel
truth. Love and good-will flowed abundantly. Among the
persons present were the Prince and Princess, their son and
two daughters, and the young Prince Hohenlohe. It was a
bright and memorable occasion. After a hasty dinner, we
repaired to the castle or palace, where we took tea with the
agreeable reigning family of the principality, and were met by
a large party of ladies and others. I enjoyed an interesting
conversation with the Prince and his son about the West
Indies. It is particularly satisfactory thus to find our way into
the hearts of cultivated, as well as uncultivated society, where-
ever we go. We shall not soon forget the pretty Biickeburg,
from which place a drive of six hours brought us at midnight
to Hanover, fourth day, 9th mo., 8th.

Berlin, First day night, 9th mo., 12th.

At Hanover we were desirous of an interview with the king.
I called at the palace to explain our wishes to General During,
his personal attendant, with whom I left the address of the
Anti-Slavery Convention to the king, of which I was the
bearer. Soon afterwards a letter to my sister arrived from
the king himself, expressing deep regret at not being able to
receive us, and speaking of her friendship with his late
"beloved" wife in very affectionate terms, desiring a blessing
on our philanthropic journey. He hinted that it was not
only business, but his own afflicted state of mind, which
prevented his giving us an audience. Our only course left,
was to address a letter to him, on the several points in his
prisons, which required notice, with some general remarks
which Ave wished to make. I had the laborious task of
preparing this document, in the midst of interruptions from
callers, &c, but happily accomplished it in time to send it the

JET. 54.

ROUTE TO BERLIN.

297

same evening. In the meantime, the prison-visiting ladies,
and the pastors and other gentlemen who were conducting a
new Patronage Society for the care of criminals after they
leave their prisons, were thronging around us. The tide kept
flowing on, until, at the appointed hour in the evening, (seven
o'clock,) the great salle & manger of the hotel was croivded
with ladies and gentlemen. I have seldom seen a more
attentive or intelligent company. After my sister had done1,
full justice to her prison subject, I gave them a short
chapter on slavery and the West Indies ; August Mundhenck
being our interpreter. The most lively interest seemed to be
excited ; and, when the meeting was over, we gave tea and
distributed books in our own apartments. Nothing could
exceed the friendly and loving demeanour of the people, unless
it was their eagerness to obtain our books ; and it seemed as if
they would, not, or could not, quit us. At length, however,
the rooms were cleared, and we retired to rest, at once thank-
ful for the evening, and very tired. * * *

A cruel case of persecution had taken place at Othfresen,
near the Hartz mountains. This place happened to lie on our
way to Berlin. We sent Mundhenck forward to ascertain the
facts, and the next morning in good time, (seven o'clock, the
10th,) we left Hanover at a quick rate, journeying along
a pleasant country, till eleven at night, about 110 miles,
by Hildesheim and Halberstadt, to Magdeburg. On our way
we stopped at the village of Othfresen, ascertained the case of
the little persecuted society of Baptists, about fourteen in
number ; replenished their purses a little, (one man had lost
all his furniture by legal seizure for holding a meeting in his
own house,) and took an affectionate leave of our dear and
useful Mundhenck. Our journey that day, though long, was
peaceful, and the Hartz mountains in the distance, so famous
for a variety of metallic productions, and teeming with the
lessons of geology, were an agreeable spectacle, as we drove
along through a well-cultivated, and well-peopled country.
We dined at the fine old town of Halberstadt. The weather
delicious, and the sky at sun-set, like the skies of New
England. Magdeburg, with its 55,000 inhabitants and strong

298

MAGDEBURG ; BERLIN.

1841.

fortifications, is a very handsome old town. The principal
street, justly called Die breite strasse, (the broad way,) is very
grotesque and good-looking, and the cathedral very handsome.

In the morning we spent an hour or two in viewing the
place, and in visiting the state prison. The vast fortifications
of this town have been its great misery. They have attracted
war, and this afflicted city has again and again been besieged,
starved, taken, and pillaged. The Austrian General Tilly, in
the thirty years' war, sacked it in defence of Popery, and slew
30,000 of the inhabitants ! How little can Ave conceive the
horrors of war, or the extent of the miseries inflicted on
mankind by the alliance of ecclesiastical authority or preten-
sion, with the temporal sword of princes !

At eleven o'clock yesterday, the 11th, we took the railroad
for Berlin, and spent many hours in a very circuitous course.
For this we were in measure repaid by a good view of Witten-
berg, the celebrated scene of many of Luther's exploits ; his
home too ; and the home of Mclancthon. We clearly saw
Luther's monastery, built for him by Frederick the Wise,
elector of Saxony. The whole scene was to me peculiarly
interesting.

This very extensive and beautiful city, [Berlin,] of 300,000
inhabitants, is placed in the midst of a vast plain of sand. Why
such a site should have been chosen, it is difficult to imagine.
Our excellent Hotel de Russie is situated in the midst of
magnificent palaces, and other such buildings ; the general
appearance of this part of the city being equal to the best
parts of London or Paris. A long and interesting call from
General Thial, the President of the Bible Society, and Prime
Minister of Prussia, has taken up part of this morning. He
is an old soldier, but his countenance beams with benevolence
as well as talent ; and I have no doubt that he is a lively-
minded Christian. Such a journey as this demolishes all
sorts of prejudice, but it in no degree shakes our belief in the
truth and reality of our principles. Lord William Russell,
our Minister, and many others, have also been calling. Our
friend August Beyerhaus, a Christian indeed, is an effective
helper and interpreter.

JET. 54.

BERLIN.

299

I have been busy writing to the King of Hanover, about
the persecuted Baptists. This evening we have been favoured
with a good meeting, after reading the Scriptures, with about
eighty people at the hotel ; an intelligent and interesting
audience. I was led into a train of close argument in defence
of the faith once delivered to the saints, and was excellently
interpreted for. All seemed attentive, and I believe I was
fully understood. My sister followed with great sweetness
and force. Thus, at the close of another first day, we feel
that we have cause for reverent gratitude to the Author of
all good.

Neustadtel, in Silesia, 9th mo., 15th.

Our visit to Berlin was, I believe, of some importance ;
though a time of no small pressure on our own minds. I
have already described our meeting for worship on first day
evening. I had afterwards reason to believe, that the discourse
was well understood, and adapted to the unbelieving condition
of many in Berlin. It is, however, cheering to find, that
ncological views are gradually becoming less prevalent, and
that the younger class of ministers is sounder and more
enlightened than the elder. It is said there are about twenty
ministers of religion in Berlin, (of all denominations,) who
preach the gospel; the population 300,000. Their places for
worship are well attended ; the other churches neglected both
by pastors and flocks. The Sabbath is very poorly observed,
and I fear immorality abounds. Our morning on second day
was closely occupied. I went with a gentleman named Lobeck,
to visit a celebrated institution for the education and reform
of young criminals, under the care of Kopff and his wife,
persons eminently gifted for their station. I was delighted
with the order of the establishment, and with the masterly
management of the boys, about eighty in number; they are
well taught, and employed in various branches of industry
when out of school. When I was speaking to them of the
law of God, written on the heart, one of them instantly
quoted Romans ii, 14, " When the Gentiles who have not the
law," «fec. Afterwards we walked across a sandy plain to call
on Gossner, an evangelical minister, who was once a Roman

300

BERLIN.

1841.

Catholic, preached at Petersburg many years, and was at last
driven from that place. For several years past he has exer-
cised his ministry at Berlin. He is a person of very extensive
influence, sends out missionaries, distributes vast numbers of
Bibles, and, in his preaching, remarkably falls in with the
views of Friends. He is much attached to Stephen Grellet,
whom he described to me as the most spiritual Christian he
had met with in any denomination. We found the dear man,
now in years, but still active, at a comfortable cottage, built
for him by one of his people ; and very interesting to me was
our conversation. He gave me a lively description of the
state of religion in these parts ; my object being to ascertain
what points, affecting the best welfare of the people, required
our attention in our probable interview with the king. He is
full of life, intellectually as well as spiritually, and seemed to
be quite joyous at heart — an example, I thought, for me, who
often find myself bowing down the head "like a bulrush."

After my sister had secured a little rest, we went together
to the Elizabeth Hospital, under the care of Gossncr, contain-
ing from eighty to a hundred sick women. The matron is a
" lady," who devotes herself voluntarily to the service; and
the pleasing young women who perform the office of nurse,
receive no wages, but do it for the "love of Christ;" true
sisters of charity they seemed to be. The spirit of Christi-
anity, in a remarkable manner, appeared to pervade the whole
house. Gossner and some pious ladies accompanied us from
ward to ward; and my sister's gentle administrations were
received with the greatest avidity.

On our way home, we called on Baron Kottwitz, a very
aged Christian nobleman, who has devoted his life to the
care of a great poor-house, in part of which he resides. He
loves Friends, and has a lively recollection of Thomas
Shillitoe. He is himself a noble specimen of a green old
age. Lord Augustus Loftus, a pleasing young man attached
to the English embassy, and our friend Beyerhaus, dined with
us at six o'clock ; and, soon after dinner, our evening meeting
in the great saloon began to assemble in large numbers. It
was understood to be a philanthropic meeting, and the

54.

SPANDAU.

301

greatest interest seemed to be excited by my account of
slavery and the slave trade, and the effects of freedom in the
West Indies ; and my sister was listened to with equal
attention in her concluding discourse on prisons, education,
the daily use of the Scriptures, &c. There was a good feeling
over the meeting. A large tea-party followed, and the
closing scene was one of much peace and love.

On third day morning we found, to our grief, that my
dear sister had been very ill during the night. We had
arranged to visit the great prison at Spandau, ten miles from
Berlin, and had afterwards sixty miles to travel. Happily
our faith did not fail us. She got better, took to the
carriage at nine o'clock ; and Bcyerhaus, she, and I, drove
off to Spandau. Lieutenant Schultz,' who has been perse-
cuted under military law for distributing tracts, a great friend
of Peter Bedford's, also accompanied us. At Spandau, we
were kindly received by the Christian Governor of the prison ;
and had some remarkable religious opportunities with com-
panies of the prisoners. It is a well-ordered prison ; and my
sister had the comfort of finding that her suggestions, made
last year, had most of them been attended to, and her wishes
carried into execution ; to the great advantage of many
hundred criminals, especially as it regarded food, superinten-
dence, and religious instruction. Thus a new evidence was
afforded her, that her labour was not in vain in the Lord.
Nothing but a little faith could have enabled her, in her
apparently weak condition, to perform this visit ; but this was
not all, for a letter was received on behalf of a lady on her
death-bed, earnestly requesting my sister to come to her.
Late and tired, we felt best satisfied to go out of our way to
see this lady, but we were rewarded. She could speak
English, and a sweeter specimen of a Christian sufferer I
have very seldom seen. It was a time of much consolation,
ending with solemn prayer ; but death did not to us appear
very near at hand. Delightful it certainly is, to see the true
work of grace going on in so many different places, and under
such a variety of circumstances.

302

ROUTE.

1841.

We now rested for a short time ; and, after an early repast,
took an affectionate leave of several persons who surrounded
us on our departure, and drove off on the road towards
Silesia. Happily we found it macadamized, and, by dint of
rapid travelling, we reached Frankfort on the Oder, (sixty
miles,) about half-past nine o'clock at night ; my sister not the
worse for her journey.

Hirjcbberg, Silesia, Sixth day morning, 17th.

Our journey yesterday was very rapid, on the beautiful
high road towards Breslau, as far as Liiben. We then turned
off to Liegnitz, which is a handsome old city, fifteen miles ;
and from thence forty miles over a mountainous and highly
picturesque country. In consequence of the many hills, our
journey was slow, and we were obliged to travel with six
horses. We arrived here at night ; it is a picturesque town,
of 7000 inhabitants, supported by the domestic linen manu-
factory, carried on in the cottages all about the country; it
being a land of flax. * * *

9th mo., 20th.

* * * We are in the midst of a most delightful country,
cultivated valleys reposing in ampitheatres of noble moun-
tains, the Schnee-kopf (snow-head) especially towering to the
height of 5000 feet, pretty little villages interspersed all
around, and a few very fine chateaux adorning the scene.
The three principal of these are royal residences ; Erdmans-
dorf, that of the King and Queen when in their country
retirement ; Fischbach, that of Prince Wilhelm, the King's
uncle ; and Schildau, that of Prince Frederick, of the
Netherlands, who married the King's sister. Next to these
comes Buckwald, the noble demesne of the Countess Keden,
who is here fulfilling most important duties. She has a large
Bible Society under her care, consisting of 261 districts ;
they have distributed 54,000 Bibles. She is also the patroness
of the Tyrolese, who were banished four years since from
their own country, on account of their religion, and were
placed under the Countess's care by the late king ; a singular

JET. 54.

TO SILESIA.

303

looking, grotesque, but agreeable people, I hope many of
them Christians indeed. Swiss cottages have been built for
them, and lands allotted to them among these charming
mountains. Above all, the Countess exercises an important
influence, in the right direction, with the royal family ; and
is the private friend and adviser of the king and queen.
She is very like the late Hannah More, wearing her hair and
cap in the same manner, and, like her, lively and productive,
naturally and spiritually. She has moreover a maiden sister
living with her, comparable to Hannah More's sister Patty.

On our arrival at Hirschberg, last fifth day, we expected to
have been met by a letter from the Princess Wilhelm of
Fischbach ; but were disappointed, and found that her
residence was ten miles off. We generally find that in every
place which we visit, our patience is tried for a season. [In
the morning] a letter arrived from the Princess, requesting
us to come to her schloss or castle, at three o'clock, and
afterwards to dine with her, and her husband, and family, at
four. Thus our way was beginning to open. Our drive of
an hour and a half lay through a delightful valley, mountains
all around us, and two rocky ones covered with fir, of a fine
conical shape, marking the site of Fischbach. The approach
to the chateau is lovely, and the old mansion itself highly
picturesque. We were very kindly received by the Princess ;
but I soon found that the whole affair was much more royal
than I had imagined. She is a stately, queen-like lady, with
a countenance full of tender and kind expression. Prince
Wilhelm, her husband, soon entered with his sons, Prince
Adelbert and Waldimar, agreeable young men ; and Prince
Charles of Berlin, who talks English well, the younger
brother of the king. Our table was well spread in a long
gallery, and the dinner was quite an agreeable occasion,
without being at all exciting.

In the evening the Queen joined the party, and met my
dear sister with warm affection. She is a delicate-looking
woman, of a countenance which marks much feeling ; the
daughter of the late King of Bavaria, once a Roman Catholic,
but now a Protestant by conviction ; and I really believe, a

30-4

SILESIA.

1841.

humble Christian. What higher praise for a Queen? I felt
the weight of this royal party, which was attended by nume-
rous aides-de-camp, dames d'honneur, &c. ; but there was no
feeling which warranted any attempt at religious service,
beyond free, and, I hope, not unedifying conversation ; every
body speaking either German or French. The latter was, of
course, my allotment ; and I endeavoured to vary a long
dinner by some account of the West Indies. Prince Frederick
af the Netherlands, and his amiable wife, also joined the party.

We could not say that the day turned to any great account,
yet it opened our door wide, and led to some interesting
results. We were all truly interested by the Princess Wil-
helm. We were glad to return at night in peace and safety,
by a long evening drive to our comfortable hotel. This was
sixth day. On seventh day I began to prepare our letter to
the King, which we hoped to present to him in case of his
coming. The thing wanted, was a clear, full document, on
all the points which we wished to lay before him : viz. —
Prisons, the state of them in Prussia, the various points in
them which required amendment, prison discipline associations,
ladies' visiting committees, the best mode of constructing the
intended new prisons, the keeping of the Sabbath, the pro-
motion of evangelical religion, the Christian education of rich
as well as poor, neology in the universities, the necessity of
counteracting it, temperance, capital punishment, that of the
wheel especially, the free toleration of sects, the disabilities
of our Friends at Minden, and finally peace.

I cannot describe the sort of pressure, and the weight of
care and feeling which the preparation of such papers involves,
especially as it is scarcely possible to resist the rapid stream,
which is all the while driving me hither and thither. So it
was with us on seventh day, which was nevertheless a very
agreeable one. We waited on the Queen, by appointment,
at the beautiful Erdmansdorf, at eleven o'clock ; and enjoyed
about an hour's interesting and truly edifying private conver-
sation with her, the Countess Eeden only being present with
us. The Queen seems closely attached to our dear sister,
and permitted us to arrange with her the time for an interview

JET. 54.

SILESIA.

305

with the King, in case of his arrival. From Erdniansdorf,
we proceeded to Schildau, the Schloss of the Prince and
Princess of the Netherlands, given to them as a present, two
years ago, by her father, the late King of Prussia. It is a
fine new house, castellated in form, and reposing in the midst
of a noble mountain. Prince Frederick is remarkably kind,
sensible, and gentlemanlike ; and, since his influence (as a
respected brother) is great in the Netherlands, we were glad
of the opportunity of explaining to him the nature of our
several philanthropic objects.

From the elegant Schildau we drove to Buckwald, the seat
of the Countess Reden, whose agreeable old chateau is
surrounded by wood, lawn, water, and mountains ; the grounds,
about six miles in circumference, laid out with a good deal of
taste, and some spots in them of exquisite beauty. We dined
there about half-past two o'clock, meeting the King".-
Chamberlain, Count Stolberg, a man of very high character,
and several others. Our little company was composed of
Christian people, and our intercourse was refreshing.

In the evening, the Princess Wilhelm, and her daughter
Marie, joined our party for a time, and several other
interesting people ; and the Countess interpreted for my sister,
while she told her tale of prisons. Mutual gratification
seemed to prevail among the strangers, and their kind
entertainers. Certainly we have met with abundant kindness.
I was interested by a conversation with an elder Count
Stolberg, the brother of the Lord Chamberlain, who has a
vast estate in these parts, a sensible and pious man. He says
the poor people in this beautiful district of valleys and
mountains are much distressed. Flax is the staple of the
country, and the people are mostly engaged in the domestic
manufacture of linen. We saw some beautiful specimens of
their table-cloths, &c. ; but they are surpassed by machinery
in other places, and live on a very scanty pittance. Every
landed proprieter is compelled to support the poor on his

own estate ; Count S has 5000 people depending on him.

Poor as they are, however, they are a pleasing, well-mannered

Vol. II. — 20

30G

SILESIA.

1841.

race, and when one walks out in the early part of the day,
every passing peasant, young or old, male or female, greets
one with a bow and '■'■gut morgen." We had now shifted our
quarters from ITirschberg to Schumiedeberg, a beautiful
village, near the residences of our friends ; and were glad to
find our rest there, after a pleasant and interesting day.

The next day was our sabbath, and a very remarkable one it
proved. I was engaged most closely the first part of the morn-
ing, in writing our document for the King, which I had only
just begun on seventh day ; at twelve we went by appointment
to the Countess Reden's, who accompanied us, with a number
of Christian ladies, to the Princess Yfilhelm, at Fischbach. My
sister's account of the prisons, given to a few the preceding
evening, had excited the curiosity of more, and the object of
the reunion was to hear what she had to say. She gave the
subject a Christian turn, which I also endeavoured to do, when
speaking of the West Indies. The Countess had sent a courier
sixty miles to fetch two Moravian brethren to act as our inter-
preters, and excellently did they perform their task. Though
the subjects were not of the highest order, it was, in spirit and
feeling, a sweet little meeting, ending with direct religious
communication ; the Princess was deeply interested.

On our return to our hotel to dinner, we met the king,
who passed us rapidly in his carriage. Rejoiced enough was
I to see him pass ; as I knew that his continued absence
would either have detained us, or frustrated our concern.
He bowed to us, but I believe did not perceive who or
what we were ; but how deeply interesting has been our
subsequent communication with him ! It had been fixed
ever since our arrival, that a meeting should be held that
evening in the Countess's saloon, at Buckwald, with the poor
Tyrolese, and all who wished to attend. We went thither to
drink tea at six o'clock. Soon the rooms began to be
thronged with the high gentry and ladies of the neighbour-
hood. The Princess Wilhelm had engaged to come, but it
was an agreeable surprise to me to see the Prince and his
eldest son (Prince Adelbcrt) enter with her. Soon afterwards,
several of the King's court began to arrive, and the intelli-

-ST. 54.

INTERESTING OCCASION.

307

genco was brought that he and the Queen were coming to the
meeting. His brother, Prince Charles, and Prince and
Princess Frederick, of the Netherlands, were with us before
him, and at length came the King and Queen.

He seemed delighted to see my sister, and most kindly
shook hands with me, having a lively recollection of my
brother Samuel. He is rather a stout person, looking nearly
fifty years old, his countenance intelligent and beaming with
kindness, and his manners unaffected. The time for the
meeting was now come. The Tyrolese, about 200, in their
grotesque habiliments, occupied the bottom of the room,
and they being too much crowded, the King began to move
the seats of the gentry with his own hands, to accommodate
them with more space, a fine example for his grandee subjects,
and for us all. The Countess wished for a hymn as soon as
the people were seated, and before our service should
commence, the like after it was ended; prayer was the burden
of the first song, and praise of the second. It was no business
of ours, and I could only enjoy the interest of the sight ; so
many of the royal family, and a multitude of the great in this
world, uniting with the poor Tyrolese peasants, in what I
believe was to many of them an act of worship. After the
hymn ceased, I believed it best to rise. My sister and I, and
our two interpreters, were at the upper end of the room ; on
our right, the King, Queen, Princesses, the Countess, and a
few other great ladies ; on our left, the Princes Wilhelm,
Charles, Frederick, and Adelbert ; a crowd of ladies and
gentlemen behind and before ; the Tyrolese immediately in
front of us, but at the other end of the room ; the high
conical hats of the women towering aloft. The men wear
similar hats, but were now uncovered. There was a sweet
tranquillity and true solemnity over us. I briefly explained
the views of Friends respecting worship, the spirituality of
the gospel dispensation, women's preaching, &c. This
opened the way for my beloved sister, who was powerfully
engaged in ministry for a considerable time, speaking (by
desire of the King, who wished to save her fatigue) from her
seat. The first part of her address was to the Tyrolese,

308

SILESIA.

18-11.

beautifully adapted to their condition ; she applied the words.
"I was a stranger, and ye took me in," to the late king's
benevolent reception of these refugees ; and spoke of him in a
manner •which touched all hearts. She then turned to the great
ones, and riveted their closest attention. It -was her usual
strain of plain, wholesome truth, applied with the nicest
touch of* tenderness. I followed at some length, in a decla-
ration of the essential truths of the gospel of Christ, alike
applicable to prince and peasant ; particularly dwelling on
judgment to come, and the doctrine of our responsibility, the
parable of the talents, &c. There was a precious solemnity
over all. The interpreters partook of the unction poured forth,
especially a dear simple-hearted young man who interpreted for
me. The King and other members of the family seemed to
feel the occasion. When the meeting broke up, he gave me an
affectionate shake by the hand, and thanked me warmly for
what I had been led to say. With my sister he was still more
loving. Truly all thanks for this memorable, precious meeting,
were due to the Author of all good.

After a quiet, solemn time of prayer with the Countess and
a few others, with whom we were at last left, we returned,
tired, but very thankful, to our hotel ; but rest was not my
portion, as I was obliged to sit up till past midnight over the
document which I had to present to the King on the following
day, and rose again on second day (yesterday) morning at six
o'clock, to finish it. I got through the great task by eleven
o'clock ; read the sheets with my sister and Countess Reden,
who fully approved them ; and we then set off for the Palace
at Erdmansdorf, where we were quickly ushered into the
Queen's sitting-room. The King soon joined us. We four
were alone together for more than two hours : a most
interesting interview it was to my feelings. We first went
through the whole document, and freely conversed with them
on each successive point. The King developed a clear, pene-
trating mind, great knowledge of the several subjects, a heart
full of feeling; and, above all, decided and unquestionable
Christian principle. I think it might be said, with little ex-

JET. 54.

CLOSING INTERVIEW WITH THE KING.

-309

ception, that our views and judgments corresponded with his
on every particular. He seemed much interested with the
account we gave him of our Friends at Mindcn, who, in con-
sequence of not being able to take up arms, are deprived of
some of the rights of citizenship, and cannot buy land.

After we had gone through all our business, my sister
requested leave to read .a few texts which she believed to
be applicable to their condition. First, a text or two for the
Queen ; and then for the King, which led to further serious
expression. It was a heart-tendering time, and ended with
solemn prayer from her lips. Elizabeth and Anna were
then called in to speak to them, and we parted in true
friendship and love. The King paid us the attention of coming
down stairs and seeing us oif. A crowd of people near the
door surrounded him and ourselves on the occasion, and we
drove off, amidst their kind tokens of affection, in very
sweet peace.

Their course was now directed homeward, by way
of Dresden, Leipsic, Halle, and Elberfeld.

"At Halle," Joseph John Gurney writes, "our friend
Tholuck, the celebrated evangelical professor, being absent,
we called on Gesenius, another far-famed, learned, German
theologian, who received us kindly, and sent his son to guide
us — first to the Franke Orphan House, so called from its liberal
founder, of whom there is a delightfully-expressive statue in
bronze, by Rauch, the great living sculptor of Berlin. The
statue is placed in the vast Court-yard, on either side of which
are ranged the buildings, where 500 orphans are boarded, and
about 3000 children taught ; the poor gratis — the rich for
pay. Bibles are also printed there to an enormous extent.
It is a noble institution. We afterwards visited the buildings
of the University, lately erected. They have 700 or 800 stu-
dents, whom, however, I did not see, as it was the long vacation.
Great numbers are here educated for the Christian ministry ;
but I fear that, among the numerous professors and teachers,
the number of the evangelical and orthodox is not very

310

ELBERFELD.

1841.

great. Gescnius, who is a man of vast learning, visited us,
with his daughters, in the evening. We quite enjoyed his
company ; but I do not know exactly whether he ranges
among the more serious, or among the speculative religionists.
It is sad to think of the multitudes of young men in the
German universities, who are in the way of neological teach-
ing ; hut all acknowledge that matters arc improving."

9th mo., 30th.

* * * Elberfeld is a place of cutlery, &c. ; the Birmingham,
or Pittsburg of Germany. In coming to it, we passed through
another large town adjoining it, called Barmen, which is
peculiarly handsome and clean ; looking all thrift ; the linen,
manufactured in the neighbourhood, lying in large quantities on
the bleach-grounds. We had particularly wished to make
our acquaintance with the people at Elberfeld, as the place is
remarkable for pious persons, and the diffusion of evangelical
truth ; and we were not disappointed. We arrived at four in
the afternoon ; and having established ourselves at the hotel,
(Henninghausenhof,) where we left my sister for her needful
rest, Elizabeth, Anna, and I, with our friend Mary Anne
Murray, an interesting lady who had come from Dusseldorf
to meet us, went in search of Pastor Krummacher, whose
writings, Elijah the Tishbite, &c, are so justly admired. We
found him at his house, with his agreeable wife and sister ;
and a charming person he is; full of life and vigour, intel-
lectually and spiritually. We told him of our wish to receive
any persons who might like to see us at our hotel in the
evening ; and although it was so late in the day, a large
company assembled at eight o'clock. We were favoured with
a very interesting evening ; beginning with conversation on
philanthropic subjects, and ending with what was more serious,
solemn, and reviving. Christian love did indeed flow on the
occasion, and Krummacher's address, at the close of the
meeting, was peculiarly striking and touching. I have no
doubt that he is a valiant of no common order in the army of
the Lamb. Another pastor of the name of Kursel also inter-
ested and pleased us much.

&t. 54.

DUSSELDORF.

311

On fourth day morning, (yesterday,) the ladies were collected
to form a prison society. • Afterwards, Krummacher accom-
panied me to the prison, my sister not being well enough to
go, and we had several good opportunities with different
companies of prisoners ; in which we were both engaged in
a little true ministry, as I trust. We left Elberfeld, thankful
for the help afforded us, and with our minds much relieved ;
a rail-road train conveyed us to Dusseldorf, another large and
interesting place, which we had particularly wished to visit
before we left England. Elizabeth, Anna, and I, spent the
afternoon in visiting Dusselthal Abbey, in the immediate
neighbourhood, where Count and Countess Von der Recke
keep their large establishment for the support and education
of the children of the poor ; orphans, and the most destitute
of mankind. The plan was undertaken after the war with
France, as some alleviation of the horrors and miseries
occasioned by it ; and has been carried on with great
success for more than twenty years ; the object being to teach
the children industry, agriculture, sometimes trades, and, above
all, religion. The Count, who is the head of an old noble
family, is very talented and pious, full of vivacity, but speaking
only German. I held a meeting with the various members of
the establishment, including the children ; all being assembled
in the chapel. I was interpreted for by Meyer, the simple-
hearted young chaplain of the place ; and I believe it was a
pretty good time. The Countess has seven children, and
conducts the whole domestic department with admirable skill.
In the evening, a large number of our friends assembled at
our hotel. I felt disposed to give them some account of the
.West Indies, and my sister had a few sentences on prisons,
but afterwards she was remarkably led into ministry ; and I
believed it right to speak again on the influences of the Holy
Spirit. My sister concluded the meeting with prayer. It
was indeed a solemn time, the intervals of silence being
peculiarly touching and still ; and the whole meeting formed
a precious conclusion of our labours, leaving us nothing to do
but to return home.

312

RETURN TO ENGLAND.

1841.

At Dover, Joseph John Gurney writes: —

10 th mo., 3rd.

* * Yesterday morning, at half-past ten o'clock, we went
on board the post-office steamer [from Ostend] to this place.
My dear sister was soon much refreshed by the sea ; and we
were favoured with an almost perfect calm, which rendered
our voyage easy and agreeable ; and our minds were at rest, in
the feeling that the work required of us had, through divine
grace and mercy, been accomplished.

Ml. 54.

MARRIAGE.

313

CHAPTER XXXIX.

1841—1843. jet. 54—55.

marriage ) re-settlement at home j extracts from journal ;
visit to friends at bristol, &c. ; narrow escapes from a
mad dog and poison; religious engagements in norfolk
and suffolk ; total abstinence j publication of his work
"on the paral and hierarchical systems )" commence-
ment of long journey in france and switzerland ) bou-
logne ; amiens j clermont j paris.

Soon after his return home, Joseph John Gurney
accomplished his intentions of marriage with Eliza
P. Kirkbride. The event took place at Darlington.
In his Journal, he writes: —

Fifth day, 10th mo., 21st. The solemn, happy, favoured
marriage-day. I was engaged in prayer in the early part of
the meeting, for the manifestation of the Divine sanction,
which was indeed fully granted. Afterwards Katharine Back-
house in an excellent testimony, and H. C. Backhouse in
fervent prayer. After the marriage was complete, I had a few
sentences to utter, on the victory which is in " the faith."
The dinner party cheerful and agreeable ; concluded by a
short religious opportunity. My dearest wife and I left them,
at seven o'clock in the evening, after an affecting parting with
her dear, faithful friends, J. and H. C. Backhouse.

10th mo., 22nd. Cattcrick Bridge. Solemn reading and
prayer ; precious commencement of our daily retirement before
the Lord. Drive to Greta Bridge. Delightful walk of two

314

RE-SETTLEMENT AT EARLIIAM.

1841.

hours about the grounds of Rokeby. Spent the evening at
the inn.

10th mo., 2-ith. Drive to Aysgarth; a good meeting there.
The Friends seemed much cheered by our visit. Moun-
tainous drive of nearly thirty miles farther to this place, (the
inn at Bolton bridge,) which we reached at half-past seven
o'clock, and soon found a peaceful resting-place. Servants and
others collected for a scripture reading, and a very good time
it was.

10th mo., 25th. To-day we have been viewing the rich
scenery of Bolton Abbey and Park. The happiness which we
are permitted to feel in each other's society is more than I
can express. We came on to Ripon, to tea ; and have been
passing a quiet tranquil evening. I scarcely ever remember
a more calm, peaceful day than the present. May the same
favour be continued to us until we reach home ; and on our
arrrival there.

28th. Beached Earlham in health and great peace, at nine
o'clock in the evening; the place comfortable and homeish: the
reception from my dearest children glowing. Oh ! may we be
kept perpetually in the hollow of the Lord's holy hand !

11th mo., Oth. A quiet, satisfactory day, drawing to its
close in peace. Our home circle, including my sister Cathe-
rine, is all that heart can desire. We have been reading
Home, and Jonathan Hutchinson's letters. The last are in-
structive and reviving ; treasures once more turning up their
bright side, for my pleasure and comfort. I hope there is a
good solemnity over us this evening ; and renewed are my
fervent desires that all may be kept in sweetness, even in con-
formity to the divine will. Here alone is our rest and our
strength.

11th mo., 20th. I do indeed desire to be kept alive and watch-
ful, ready for the Lord's service here, and for an entrance
into his blissful presence, whenever it may please him to call
me home to himself. But I do not feel that the time is yet.
0 Lord ! thou hast showered many rich favours and blessings
upon me ; and now, in a delightful connexion, hast granted me

jet. 54.

JOURNAL.

315

the very desire of my heart. Preserve me, I beseech thee, from
in the least degree abusing any of thy precious gifts ; make
me holy, as thou art holy ; and finally gather me, in Christ,
to thy glory.

12th mo., 15th. "Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's
good pleasure to give j'ou the kingdom." Is that "good plea-
sure " -without conditions ? I do not admire the word con-
ditions, as I am a full believer in the absolute freedom of the
mercy of God ; and yet I think that, practically speaking,
conditions of the most important character are attached to
the act of grace. Nor do I consider the " good pleasure " of
the Lord, in such cases, absolute, or destructive of human
choice or freedom. " God would have all men to be saved."
Yet, alas ! for the " but," which must be understood to follow.

12th 7720., 25th. This day is one of peaceful seriousness to
us. My dear wife and I are quietly together with our children.
A peep into the long past has been deeply interesting to me ;
but I am more inclined to rejoice and be thankful in the
present ; and after subsiding into my new level, which this
day gives me an opportunity of doing, to take a fresh start,
and press, with renewed diligence, after the mark for the prize.
What is that mark but holiness ? even the holy maturity of
the Christian character. 0 that this mark may not only be
aimed at, but attained to !

To-day we are enjoying a touch of true sabbatical rest, and
the company of my children is peculiarly pleasant. My desires
are fervent, that as I have faithfully endeavoured to bring them
up in the truth as held by Friends, so they may persevere in
this course to the end, and deepen in the root more and more.

1st mo., 3rd, 1842. I have more than usually felt the de-
parture of the old year and the commencement of the new
one. I have repeatedly observed, that our motto may be,
" Thankful for the past — happy in the present — hopeful for
the future." May we abide and move together in the very
truth !

Third day. The language, read with my dear wife this
morning, seems to have been proclaimed to me, " Put off thy

316

VISIT TO BRISTOL.

1842

ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee."
Lord, hear me, and help me to be entirety thy servant, and let
my dearest wife and children be one with me, and I with
them, in the truth.

1st mo., 31st. The death of the Niger expedition ; very
affecting and overcoming to Fowell. I can hardly say why,
but I do not feel disturbed by the event, mournful as it is.
Rather am I disposed to say, "It is the Lord, let Him do
what seemeth Him good."

In the spring of this year, he was engaged, in
company with his wife, in a short visit to Friends
at Bristol and Gloucester, and in attending, on his
return, the Quarterly Meeting of Friends in London.

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY,
(then in a feeble state of health,)

Norwich, 4th mo., 4th, 1S42.

My heart and mind have been much drawn towards thee in
tender love and sympathy, since we parted. I rest in the
sweet hope that thou wilt yet be strengthened in mind and
body to do the Lord's work, where and when He pleases, and
be enabled to bear that measure of searching and proving
which may be permitted to fall to thy lot. It is good for us
to lie low, and patiently to wait, until we receive the divine
sanction for arising in the Lord's own power for his service.
In the meantime I hope that nothing will discourage thee ; but
that much peace and even joy in the Holy Ghost will be thy
portion. I can truly say that all that I have seen and known of
late years confirms my sense of the importance and excellence
of unbiassed, genuine, Quaker views and practices. But may
we be preserved from the shoals on either side, for there is
neither life nor safety to be known in them !

His leisure had been of late occupied in the
revision, (in conference with a committee of
Friends in London,) of his work on the Distinguish-

vET. 54.

SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS.

317

ing Views of Friends, with a view to a new and
stereotyped edition soon afterwards published. On
its completion, notwithstanding some accession of
bodily infirmity, his mind was turned to other im-
portant labours.

■ith mo., 25th. We were favoured with a good Sabbath
yesterday. The meetings were satisfactory, and several young
men joined our large reading party in the evening. The
whole past week has been one of tranquillity, and many a
daily blessing has been poured into our cup ; yet I have been
permitted to feel much of my own nothingness and poverty ;
and even the sweet and solemn meeting which we enjoyed
last fifth day, left me, where it found me, in the dust,
spiritually. But there is more of a spring of pleasure this
morning. May all our hearts be tuned to praise !

I am regularly correcting the sheets of the Observations
for the stereotyper ; and am writing something on the con-
trast between the Papal system and the religion of the New
Testament.

5th mo., 13th. (After noticing some symptoms of illness.)
Our way seems mercifully made clear — I humbly trust it has
been prepared of and for the Lord — for our attending the
Yearly Meeting.

The Lord preserve us, and keep us alive, and cause his face
to shine upon us, and anoint us with his holy oil, and give
free course to the word of his truth, in its fulness, purity, and
power ! And may we be permitted to return home in health,
hope, and peace ; ready for the Lord's service, in whatsoever
way he may be pleased to direct ! Great is the uncertainty
which we feel respecting the future ; but I seem enabled,
rather more than usual, cpaietly to leave all to our gracious
Lord and leader, fully believing that, in his matchless love and
mercy in Christ Jesus, He will provide.

Qth mo., l&th. More than a month has passed away since
I last wrote, and here I am at home with my beloved wife, after
having passed a most interesting thirteen days with her alone:

318

TWO NARROW ESCAPES.

1842.

five at Walton on the Essex coast, one in travelling, and a
week at home. During this period I have been very poorly,
though Walton seemed to recover me, and this morning I am
better than for many days past,

I look back upon the Yearly Meeting with great comfort.
It was a time of harmony, and a time of life, my dear
sister Fry taking her part and place in great brightness.
H. C. Backhouse had excellent meetings with the nobility
and the Jews, in two of which I was enabled to assist.
On the whole it has been an occasion for the strencthenin>T
of our faith ; and I humbly trust, through infinite condescen-
sion on the part of our Holy Head, we may go on our way
rejoicing, trusting in the Lord.

At our Monthly Meeting on fifth day, I obtained a minute
for some service with Friends and others, during the next few
months, as way may open, and health permit, in Norfolk and
Suffolk. In this I feel peace, and my dear wife is mentioned
in the minute as intending to accompany me. May we bow
under the holy hand of our Lord, and stand open to every
call of religious duty !

Gth mo., 25th. We have, under the merciful providence of
our heavenly Father, passed a truly happy time since the last
entry, notwithstanding two hair-breadth escapes ; — one from
a large mad dog which ran up to our door, and, just as my
dearest wife and I were going to step into the carriage, fell
suddenly into convulsions, and was afterwards shot in the
garden — the other from my taking the liquid of potash instead
of my usual draught. This happened in the early part of
this week ; and it is probable that my life was saved by my
wife immediately giving me castor oil, which acted as an
emetic before the liquor found its way into the stomach. I
have suffered a good deal from the soreness of the throat and
oesophagus produced by the burn, but am now over it, and
much as before in health ; feeble, but pretty well.

On First day, I held public meetings at Swafield and Lam-
mas ; both good times, I believe ; and paid satisfactory visits to
the afflicted Nash family, and the two families of Wright, at
Buxton, where we lodged.

54.

JOURNAL.

319

6th mo., 27th. I have had somewhat of a relapse the last
two days, with a decided return of some unfavourable symp-
toms; so that if any thing like the "high hill" was permitted
last week, a vale has come in its turn, yet not to the breaking
of my peace. We had a good meeting yesterday morning.
I had to speak well of the way in which our fathers walked,
and their fathers before them.

As I sat in meeting, I thought much of Addison's stanza : —

My life, if thou preserv'st my life,

Thy sacrifice shall be ;
And death, if death should be my lot,

Shall join my soul to thee.

I have felt more than a slight degree of hope, that, through
infinite mercy, this may represent my experience. Reduced
as I am to more of a do-nothing state than almost ever before,
I can enjoy my leisure, roam about our sweet " paradise of
flowers," relish the delightful society of my most endeared
wife and children, and repose on the bosom of that Saviour
who condescends to be our perpetual keeper. Blessed be the
name of our God and Father through him.

7th mo., 4th. A public meeting was held at my request at
the Gildencroft last evening, which was well attended. It
has been great cause for thankfulness to me, that, notwith-
standing a depth of unworthiness and infirmity known only
to the Omniscient, I have been again graciously called into
service, and fitted for it of the Lord, both bodily and mentally.
Truly our sufficiency is of the Lord alone !

Cromer, 7th mo., 9th. We reached this place very com-
fortably last third day evening, and find our lodgings clean,
spacious, and quiet, close by the sea. The Frys and my
sister Catherine had arrived an hour before us. My dearest
wife and I have just been finishing a quiet reading of my
Thoughts on Habit, which leaves a favourable impression on both
our minds, and I have some hope that I may be able to finish it,
1 have also written a little almost daily in my other book.*

* See supra, p. 317.

320

ENGAGEMENTS IN NORFOLK.

1812,

7th mo., 24th. We had. an excellent meeting with the
sailors, in our own parlour, last fifth day ; and another the next
morning with the Sheringham fishermen, in the school-room of
Robert Long, a lay teacher or preacher, who appears to have
been truly called of the Lord to His service.

8th mo., 14th. We continued at Cromer until last second
day, the 8th. The week spent there, after the last entry, was
very pleasant on the whole. Two large public meetings ; one
at Runton, in Johnson's barn, on First clay afternoon, 7th mo.,
31st, a good time I believe ; and the second at Trimmingham,
in Brown's barn, on First day afternoon, the 7th. The latter
was remarkable, there was such a thirsty multitude ! Much
sweet and uniting intercourse with Anna Gurney.

Third day, the 2nd, was my birth-day, fifty-four ; a time
of some serious thought and humiliation before the Lord.
Something clone in writing, and the object now before me in
this department, seems, on the whole, to be interesting, and
to prosper. — "Thoughts on the Papal and Hierarchical
System."

On second day, the 8th, after satisfactorily winding up at
Cromer, my dear wife and I, with dear Anna, went to Holt,
where a solemn and pretty large public meeting was held in
the evening. Third day; large and flowing public meeting at
Wells, in the evening. Fourth day; good week-day meeting
at Wells, and calls on several Friends ; drove in the even-
ing to Hunstanton, where we met a cordial welcome from
dear E. Edwards and his daughter. Fifth day; a most pleasant
and interesting clay at Hunstanton. The associations of the
place sweet and affecting to my feelings; the shore, sea, rocks,
&c, delightful.* Sixth clay; good time of prayer in E. E.'s
house, which we left in the flowing of mutual love ; a happy
renewal and confirmation of our old friendship. In the after-
noon to Downham, where a peculiarly solemn public meeting,
though not very large, crowned the day. Lodged at Crimple-
sham, where the Doyles gave us a most hospitable reception ;
solemn reading there the next morning ; visit to their school ;

* See supra, vol. i, pp. 132 and 228-229.

I

JET. 55. SUFFOLK, ETC. 321

and interesting hour with Philip, Elizabeth, and Sarah Sewell,
"green in old age," at Wcreham. They seem remarkably
kept alive in the truth, without human instrumentality, and
I hope we drank together of the waters of life. Returned to
this dear, charming place in the evening ; great peace seemed
to rest on our coming home.

Similar engagements, in other parts of Norfolk
and in Suffolk, called Joseph John Gurney several
times from home during the autumn and winter.
He also paid a short visit to his friends in Man-
chester and Liverpool. Besides attending to these
calls of duty, he spent part of the tenth month
at Darlington, on the occasion of the funeral of his
valued relative Jonathan Backhouse, and in visits
to several other places in the north of England.
In allusion to the time passed in the neighbourhood
of Ackworth, he writes: —

Fourth day, 10th mo., 26tk. By railroad to Pontefract ;
attended the solemn and satisfactory funeral of my late dear
friend, William Leatham, who closed his useful life in great
peace, trusting in Christ. There was a blessed sense, that the
rich man had passed well through "the needle's eye; " but a
strong word of warning was given to others, who were of a
worldly mind. Afterwards to Ackworth, where we met a cordial
reception, and spent a happy evening at the school. The children
were collected in the new reading-room, and I told them part
of the story of the "West Indies ; an excellent time with the
'family after supper. Some Scripture examination, during this
visit to Ackworth, afforded satisfactory evidence that the
system of Scriptural instruction, which I was enabled to
institute about twenty-five years ago, continues to flourish, as
is also the case at Sidcot, Croydon, &c. I trust I feel deeply
thankful for this result. — "Establish thou the work of my
hands upon me, 0 Lord; the work of my hands establish
thou it."

Vol. II. — 21

322

CONTINUED INDISPOSITION.

1842.

Meanwhile the state of his health continued to
awaken anxiety. Referring to it, he says under date

11th mo., Ath. Dr. Prout's verdict of my bodily state is by
no means favourable. A very strict regimen is ordered, to
which, coming as it does from the highest authority, it is
my full purpose to render due obedience. I have been
a sad lover of sweet things all my life ; but now sugar in
every degree and form is to be avoided. I feel very quiet
about the case, rather strongly hoping that we may be
favoured to beat off the enemy, my general health being
improved ; but if it should be otherwise, I desire to be
enabled to say, " It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth
him good."

Through all, he endeavoured quietly to press
onwards in the path of duty. At the suggestion
of his sister Elizabeth Fry, he had been lately
building a large and commodious library and read-
ing-room at Cromer, for the use of the fishermen
and sailors, which was opened in the twelfth
month of this year. It was about this time also,
that, after much anxious deliberation, he became
convinced that it was his duty to give up the use of
all intoxicating beverages, and to encourage his
household in a similar line of conduct. Henceforth
he gave to the cause of Total Abstinence all the
weight that could be derived from his own powerful
example, and truly Christian advocacy. In an
address upon the subject, which was subsequently
published under the title Water is Best, he thus
notices the circumstances which led to this im-
portant change of opinion and practice : —

" I acknowledge," he says, " that I was accustomed till
within the last eighteen months, to take a little wine and beer

;et. 55.

TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

323

with my meals ; and while I was most anxious, as a Christian
and a minister, to let my ' moderation be known unto all
men,' I thought that the use of these beverages was necessary
to the enjoyment of health. I was led, however, under the
circumstances which I will relate, to abandon this practice,
and I have reason to rejoice that I did so, for my health has
very considerably improved in consequence.

" Having many inmates in my house, and feeling a great
desire to promote their spiritual welfare, I adopted those means
which I hoped, under the Divine blessing, would lead them to
consideration, and to seriousness. I found, however, that all
my efforts were frustrated by an enemy in my oiun house. We
were famous for the excellence of our home-brewed beer ; and
this was hospitably supplied not only to the servants of the es-
tablishment, but also to the labourers employed on the estate.
Although I cannot say that it was extravagantly used, I believe
it was the source of very considerable mischief. It had a ten-
dency to blunt the moral feelings, and to incapacitate the mind
to receive the great truths which I was so anxious to impart.
I was, at this time, in an infirm state of health, and found it
difficult to set an example of total abstinence. But believing
with the apostle Paul, that I should avoid placing a ' stumbling
block in the way of my brother,' (and, in this sense, I claim
all mankind, whether masters or servants, as my brethren,)
I felt it to be my duty to abstain from that which was not
unlawful in itself, rather than be the occasion of stumbling
to others. I called together the members of my establish-
ment, and told them that I felt it to be my duty to discontinue
the supply of beer to which they had been accustomed ; but
ordered a coffee tap to be opened in the hall, and a plentiful
supply of hot coffee and bread to be kept for all who chose to
partake. This, like other similar changes, was attended with
pain ; but in the course of a short time matters settled down
as quietly and agreeably as ever, and I have great cause to be
thankful to the Almighty, that I was led to take this decided
step. Now I can leave home for two or three months without
care and anxiety, knowing that one great source of evil is

324

PUBLICATION OF WORK ON THE

1843.

stopped. At this time, as I have already said, my health was
feeble, but now I am thankful to say that it is re-established
to a degree which, two or three years ago, I should have
thought impossible without the use of stimulating beverages ;
so deep was the sense I entertained of their necessity.
I was ordered by some of the greatest medical men in the
country, to take wine medicinally, but I could not do it with an
easy conscience ; and now, in spite of all the dogmas that float
on the tide of popular prejudice, I have found, and multitudes
have found by experience, that alcoholic beverages are useless
to persons in health."

In allusion to the same subject, he writes in his
Journal : —

1st mo., 9th, 1843. All is peace and happiness this
morning. What shall we render unto thee, most gracious
God and Father, for all thy benefits ? My health and spirits
are greatly improved. Our household quiet and comfortable
under the reformed system. May the leaven spread !

The work which had of late occupied his atten-
tion was now published, at first anonymously,
under the title of the Papal and Hierarchical
System compared with the Religion of the New
Testament.* "In this excellent treatise he boldly,
but faithfully, sketches the principal corruptions by
which man has- defiled the purity, and (so far as he
has been allowed the sway) weakened or destroyed

* This work was subsequently re-printed with the author's
name, under the title of Puseyism Traced to its Root, in a view of
the Papal and Hierarchical System, as compared with the Religion
of the New Testament. A large edition was published, in a cheap
form, which was widely circulated. An edition was also printed
uniform with the octavo edition of Joseph John Gurney's works:

JRT. 55. PAPAL AND HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM. 325

the influence of primitive Christianity ; powerfully
contrasting these corruptions with the noble
simplicity of inspired truth. The whole volume
deserves the attentive perusal of the reader, as
containing, in a condensed form, a clear, and,
(upon New Testament grounds,) unanswerable
argument for Spiritual Christianity. One passage
from the Chapter on the Spiritual Power of the
Priesthood deserves to be quoted : —

Where there is no sacrifice there is no priest; for sacrifice
is the essential characteristic of the sacerdotal office. The
continuance of that office under the papal and hierarchical
system, is nothing better than a recurrence to the old plan of
Jewish worship, and is opposed to the simplicity of the truth
and the spirituality of the gospel dispensation. A Priest
Qsgeve, sacerdos) is not only a minister but a mediator ; he
stands between the people and their God ; he offers up
sacrifice, first for his own sins, and afterwards for those of
the people. But in this glorious gospel day, as we know
only 'one God,' so we know only 'one Mediator between
God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a
ransom for all.' (1 Tim. ii, 5.) In the distribution of
spiritual gifts and offices, we read that the risen and glori-
fied Saviour, 'gave some apostles, and some prophets, and
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ;' we read also of presbyters or
elders, of bishops or overseers, of deacons or servants ; but
among all these we hear nothing whatsoever of the Priest, the
UosCs or sacerdos. We must therefore conclude that Jesus
is the only Priest of the Christian Church. In him the
shadows of the law, and especially the whole sacrificial
system, are for ever fulfilled. He has died, once for all, for
the sins of the whole world ; he is ever present with his
people to bless them in the name of his Father ; he is their

326

WORK ON THE PAPAL

1843.

never-failing advocate and intercessor before the throne of
God ; he carries the names of all the tribes of the true Israel,
as on his breastplate, before the Lord ; like Aaron, he bears
the iniquity even of their 'holy things.' 'The Lord hath
sworn and will not repent,' saith the Father to the Son, ' Thou
art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec' Uniting
in himself the regal and sacerdotal offices, he both mediates
and reigns, and supplies, in both respects, the whole need of
his universal church. Ecclesiastical systems, invented by
men, shall last their season and then vanish. The finest
fabrics of human policy in the things of religion, shall perish
before the breath of the Lord Almighty ; but Jesus Christ,
our only High Priest, is ' the same yesterday, and to-day, and
for ever,' and of the increase of his government and peace
there shall be NO end."

The conclusion of the work is at once forcible and
characteristic : —

"Between the two systems which have now been developed,
between the fidness of the authority of man, and the fulness
of the authority of God, in matters of religion, there is, as I
believe, no permanent resting place. Mediums have been
tried in a variety of forms, and on an extensive scale. But
the sentiment which has now been expressed appears to be
confirmed by the fact, that a large proportion of the clergy of
Episcopal Churches is at this very time notoriously rushing
back into the bosom of Popery ; retrograde movements of the
same nature, (though different in degree,) may be traced in
the decrease of original simplicity, and the increase of form
and splendour, in the worship of some of the non-conforming
bodies. In the mean time, there can be no doubt that
spiritual religion, in its native vigour, is more and more
diffusing itself among the thousands and tens of thousands of
the Israel of God. With these, under whatsoever name, and
in whatsoever nation, they may be found, the writer of the
pages now about to be concluded, desires to be preserved in

/ET. 55.

AND HIERARCHICAL SYSTEM.

327

living, heart-felt unity. May the favour of God be upon his
children and followers all the world over ! May the Sun of
Righteousness arise upon them from day to day, and the dews
of heaven rest all night upon their branches ! And finally,
may the law of peace, and purity, and love, without any foul
admixtures, overspread this earth, 'as the waters cover the
sea.

In the spring and summer of this year, he was
again engaged, in company with his wife and their
friend Josiah Forster, in a lengthened visit to France
and some other parts of the Continent of Europe.
His sister Elizabeth Fry, accompanied by one of her
daughters, was also associated with them during the
earlier portions of this journey. In the prospect of
this engagement, he writes in his Journal: —

3rd mo., 11th. Deep searching of heart has been much my
lot, in the earnest desire, that the prospect might close, if not
truly of the Lord. I have, however, felt quiet at the root, and
an abiding feeling of the rectitude of the movement somewhat
increases from day to day. Happily I have no other pressure
upon me ; and, in quietness and confidence, find a renewal of
strength.

■ith mo., 15th. [At] the Morning Meeting of ministers and
elders held in London, last second day, we were finally set at
liberty for our mission. It was largely attended by Friends
of London Quarterly Meeting, and several from the country,
including Samuel Tuke, and Joseph and Junia Price, &c. A
more solemn occasion, or a more weighty and deliberate con-
sideration of a religious concern, I have seldom witnessed.
A deep stream of religious feeling was permitted to flow
amongst us ; and through the tender loving-kindness of Him
whom we desire to serve, it all flowed in the same direction.
It appeared to be the unanimous judgment of the meeting,
after a general expression of unity, that we should be set free
for the work into which the Lord had condescended to call

328

JOURNEY IN FRANCE.

1843.

us. A certificate to this effect was well drawn up on the
spot by our dear friend Josiah Forster, who, for the present,
is the companion of our travels.

They left London on the tenth of the fourth

month. After describing their progress as far as

Boulogne, where they arrived on the 12tli, Joseph
John Gurney continues: —

Through the kind exertions of our friend Turnbull, a
Presbyterian preacher, who had met us before at Dusseldorf,
we were enabled to summon a company of Christian friends,
chiefly Scotch and English, for the evening, at eight
o'clock ; about thirty persons. I read John xvi to them ;
after which we were favoured with a comfortable meeting,
concluded by solemn prayer. We parted from our friends,
including the Episcopalian minister, a pious, agreeable man ;
the Scotch minister, and some Baptists, Methodists, and
several members both of the Scotch and English churches, in
love and peace ; retiring to rest with relieved, and, I hope,
thankful minds.

Amiens, 4th mo., 16th.

The journey yesterday [from Abbeville] very pleasant
and entertaining, through a country divided into varied
strips of green and brown, but without hedges, well cul-
tivated, plenty of wheat on the soil. We distributed
tracts, and conversed with the amiable, easily -entertained
people at Aix a la Cloche, and Picquigny. At the latter
place are the remains of an old castle, where Louis the
Eleventh, and Edward the Fourth, of England, once met
in conference. We wandered about the ruins, which are not
very picturesque ; but the view from this elevated spot of the
rich valley of the Soinme, is fine. In this valley we observed a
large, apparently new, convent of the Trapputes. Thus popery
in all its forms, both splendid and frightful, is rising again to
view with fresh vigour ; and nothing surely but the power of
God can ever put down a system, in the maintenance of which

;et. 55. amiens. 329

human policy the most refined, and human zeal the most
untiring, are for ever at work. Of this renaissance of Popery,
we had full proof after arriving at this large and beautiful
city, as we surveyed the magnificent cathedral, a building of
astonishing beauty. The architecture is of the finest gothic ;
and in the interior simple enough to be extremely attractive.
The outside is too much crowded with ornament, yet very
striking. As to the proof of Popery rediviva, it is to be
found in the ncwly-fitted-up chapels, gay with artificial roses,
candles all round, with devotees on their knees before the
images, especially those of the virgin ; also in the superb, newly
gilt pulpit ; above all, in the relic of John Baptist's head, of
which the red silk or velvet cap under a glass is alone exposed to
view. We saw two sweet-looking boys kiss it reverentially, and
drop on their knees beside it for a short prayer ; after which
they turned to us and innocently assured us, that the body of
the Baptist was lying under a white-clad altar, which stood hard
by, blazing with candles ! We observed that the street leading
to the cathedral, is called la rue des corps nus sans tete, which
may have reference to the same part of the Gospel history ;
or perhaps to martyrs' legends of less authority. Two of the
stone figures in the portico are represented carrying their own
heads ! Confession was going on in one of the chapels ; two
confessionals being occupied ; one by a man, another by a
female. Oh ! the awful mummery of this dark system !

Clermont, 4 tli mo., 17th.

While we were examining the cathedral, our indefatigable
friend, Josiah Forster, was engaged in preparing our way for the
ensuing sabbath, by calling on the minister of the small Protest-
ant church, who willingly agreed to summon his flock to the
saloon where his people usually meet, for six o'clock the next
evening. His agreeable daughter undertook to go round and
give the notice. In the evening, the pious old man spent an
hour or two with us. He was once in the navy, and a Papist.
But when at Havana, in the course of his voyages, he attended
one of the churches there, on the day of a great fete in honour

330

AMIENS.

1843.

of the Virgin, when he was suddenly struck by the extreme
gaudiness and folly of the ceremony, and he cried out, " 0
for four walls to worship in without all this frippery !" Some
time afterwards he was taken prisoner by the English, and
stationed at Ashburton ; where, being on his parole, he acci-
dentally went into a dissenting meeting-house, and found his
prayer fulfilled ; four walls to worship in without ceremony,
without finery. He was struck to the heart, though he could
not understand the minister : learnt the English language ;
attended the meeting for a few months ; and became a Pro-
testant and a Christian.

Yesterday was certainly an interesting, and I hope not un-
productive, Sabbath, spent in that large city of 50,000 souls,
given up, with little exception, either to superstition or prac-
tical infidelity ; the former among the women, and the latter
among the men ; a grievously common case in France ! Our
little meeting (the four servants present) was held at eleven
o'clock, and proved a season of true refreshment. The day
was beautiful ; and after the meeting my wife and I took a
long walk about the allees and boulevards ; and another long
shaded walk, called the Hotore. This part of the town, with
the rows of good houses and pleasant promenades, is decidedly
handsome. So, indeed, are the streets generally. It is a
place of busy manufacture and commerce, though just now in
a state of depression.

In the evening, at the appointed hour, we repaired to the
humble dwelling of our friend the pastew, who conducted us
to the Meeting. It was a congregation of about 80 people ;
perhaps at last some 10 or 20 more ; and a very solemn,
favoured meeting it proved. Josiah Forster began by briefly
explaining our mode of worship. Soon afterwards I rose, and
was enabled to preach for about half an hour in French, with far
greater facility than I could have ventured to expect. It was
truly given to me of the Lord, and very thankful ought I to
be for such a renewed token of his unmerited loving-kindness.
My subject was, the internal hearing for ourselves of the life-
giving voice of Jesus, beginning with the words of the Sama-

JET. 55.

CLERMOXT.

331

ritans, " Now we believe, not because of thy saying, but we
have heard him ourselves," &c. ; the spiritual resurrection
as a preparation for the last day ; (John v ;) the new
birth and living faith in the blood of Christ. Our be-
loved sister followed in a lively, fervent exhortation, well
interpreted by our friend Josiah Forster. Afterwards I
was enabled to conclude the Meeting in prayer, and we re-
turned to our hotel with relieved and thankful minds. Such
was our first French Public Meeting. May we be helped by
this token for good, and may we give all the praise where
alone it is due. About twenty of the people at the meeting
were Roman Catholics.

This morning Cadoret and his daughter, and Vorneaux, a
colporteur of the Bible Society, who, since the eleventh month,
has sold 600 copies of the New Testament in the neighbour-
hood, breakfasted with us, and our reading was solemn and
refreshing ; my sister beautifully engaged in prayer. After
breakfast, she being but poorly, Josiah Forster, my wife, and
I, visited the Bicetre, being the House of Correction for the
department of the Somme, containing about 200 prisoners.
We had but little satisfaction in our visit.

Chantilly, 4th mo., 19th.

We spent a pleasant day, yesterday, in a very pleasant
country. Clermont is beautifully situated on the brow of a
hill ; and the views of it which we enjoyed in a quiet stroll
along a lovely lane, through orchards of apple trees, well
cultivated in strips, and near a fine wood, where we heard
a chorus of thrushes and a nightingale or two, were lovely
indeed ; the air being dry, clear, and stimulant. We then
ascended the hill on which the town is built, to the
Prison Centrale four Us Femmes, a vast, good-looking build-
ing, which stands on the summit. It is for the whole of
the north of France, and contains 900 prisoners. These
prisoners are cared for by the Sceurs de la Sagesse, under a
superior, 40 in number, who are allowed 800 francs per annum
each, but support themselves. There is a school in the prison

332

CLERMONT.

1843.

for the ignorant ; and religious instruction, after the manner
of the Roman Catholics, seems to be communicated by a
chaplain, and the nuns. The latter lodge in the prison, and
serve the whole purpose of officers ; no others being admitted
except a few inferior servants. Perpetual silence reigns among
the ■women ; or, at least, this is the law. A more effective
superintendence is required at night. My sister was greatly
pleased with the order, cleanliness, and comfort of this prison.
The females are employed in lace-making and other kinds of
needle-work, &c. One-third of the earnings go towards the
expenses of the establishment; one-third for indulgences in the
way of food, &c. ; and one-third is reserved for them when they
leave the prison ; but this portion is sent for their use to the
mayor of the place to which they belong, their travelling ex-
penses being first paid out of it. An Englishwoman, who had
been confined here, went out with a purse of about 200 francs.
There is an institution called the Bon Pasteur, at Amiens,
which affords a refuge for these females when they leave the
prison. Many go thither of their own free will, and support
themselves, when there, by their work, being again under the
superintendence of a sisterhood of nuns. These Bons Pasteurs
are established, we are told, in many other places besides
Amiens. The system of the Romanists puts many instru-
ments into their hands — large sisterhoods of nuns for example
— which may be often used for good purposes. The Soeurs de
Charite, who tend the prisons and the hospitals, paid though
they be for their work, and incited by the false notion of merit
in their own performances, must nevertheless be reckoned
among the alleviators, both physically and morally, of the
miseries and evils which oppress mankind. Thus God conducts
his great designs, through a machinery of Providence, of
which the intricacies are not to be unravelled by human
wisdom ; and often is he pleased to overrule erroneous systems
for good and desirable purposes. We are not, on this account,
to give up our principles, which rest on his own unchanging
law and attributes. Yet we may well exclaim with Paul —
" 0 the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and of the

JET. 55.

chantilly; paws.

333

knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways past finding out !"

The drive to Chantilly in the afternoon, fifteen miles, was
swift and agreeable, through a beautiful champaign country,
and over the Oise, a fine river at Creil.

Paris, 4th mo., 19th.

After driving: through a succession of little towns, manv
vineyards, and a gay, fruitful country, we arrived here in safety
about two o'clock. We felt the weight of our position and
prospects ; and fervent are our desires that we may be guided,
from day to day, in the way of our duties, and be graciously
qualified for the fulfilment of them.

4th mo., 21st. Yesterday we all went, at eleven o'clock, to
our little week-day meeting, in the Faubourg du Roule ; and
were favoured with a solemn, refreshing time, in which our
hopes and strength were renewed, in the remembrance of that
gracious promise, " I will lead the blind by a way that they
know not," &c.

At three o'clock my dear wife and I walked to the Pelets,
where I had the pleasure of introducing her to our kind
friend the countess, who was recumbent on her couch,
being very infirm. I remember when I was last in Paris,
being engaged in solemn prayer with her, on behalf of
her husband's father, who was then very ill. He died last
year in the triumphant faith of the Christian. He said in
dying, that he could not express the beauty and glory of the
scene which lay before him, and on which he was about to
enter. From thence to a bazaar, for the benefit of certain
schools, where we were much pleased with a number of simple,
yet sprightly young women, who were engaged in selling. I
talked with Mark Wilks' wife, respecting the present extra-
ordinary inroad on Protestant religious liberty. It appears,
that in a certain village, the inhabitants, of their own accord,
forsook Popery, and built a place of worship for themselves,
applying to the Societe Uvangelique, of Paris, for a minister.
They could not obtain one ; but a Protestant minister, Roussel,
went of his own accord, and ministered to them ; was warned
off by the police, persevered, and was at last forced away by

334

PARIS.

1843.

the military. A proces verbal was commenced against him,
and a fine inflicted by the inferior district court. He appealed
to the superior court next in order, when his cause was pleaded
by Odillon Barrot, but in vain. He has now appealed to the
Court of Cassation, which is supreme ; and Josiah Forster
and I hope to attend the trial to-morrow. The ground of
this infliction is a law introduced by Guizot, since the forma-
tion of the present ministry, forbidding more than twenty
persons to assemble without leave of the maire of the district;
a law occasioned by some of the plots against the government
which had previously transpired. It was, at the time,
expressly stated by the government, through Guizot, that the
law was intended to have no bearing whatsoever on religious
meetings ; the charter confirmed by the last revolution, having
granted full and entire religious liberty to persons of all
creeds. Nevertheless, it is now construed to apply to any
attempt to form a new society of Protestants, or open any
place of Protestant worship where one had not previously
existed ; in fact, as a complete prevention of the further
development of the Protestant principle. It is evidently
a step towards the old plan of uniformity, restriction, and
persecution ; and is considered by the Protestant party to be
highly alarming. The fact seems to be, that the executive
power, backed by immense military force, is virtually entering
into such a league with the priesthood, as will secure their
support of the present dynasty. Thus a new force and spring-
are given to Popery in its renaissance ; and the thunder-clouds
which are gradually overspreading the heavens, grow darker
and thicker. May the Sun of Righteousness arise and disperse
them !

4th 7no., 24th. On seventh day, Josiah Forster and I had
pleasant interviews soon after breakfast with the wife of the
Chevalier Eynard, who received us with much cordiality ; with
the Greek ambassador whom we met when last at Paris ; and
with Guizot, preparatory to the intercourse mutually wished for
between us. He received us affectionately, and we are engaged
to dine with him on fifth day. We then called on Isambert,
our zealous and steady Anti-Slavery friend and advocate. He

JET. 55.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

335

is one of the Judges of the Court of Cassation, the Supreme
Court of France, and was kind enough to introduce us, that
we might hear the cause of Christian liberty pleaded, in the
case already mentioned. The court is held in the old chamber
of justice, as I understood, of the Kings of France, a fine old
apartment, with a picture of the present king in front; four-
teen of the judges assembled ; and a large body of Protestants
were there to hear ; looking, as well they might, low and
serious, under the present grievous infraction of the liberty of
conscience, proclaimed to them in the fifth article of the
Charter of 1830. After the report had been read of the
preceding trials in the case, Count Delaborde rose, the
advocate of religious freedom, and pleaded the cause, in a
speech of nearly two hours, with great clearness, zeal, heart,
and force ; though the rapidity of his pronunciation sometimes
concealed his meaning from me. To his argument he added
a good deal of general impressive remark on the subject of
the rights of conscience. lie quoted an admirable declaration
made hy Napoleon on the subject ; but concluded with a still
more forcible reference to Scripture, and to the paramount
authority of him, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The judges seemed to me to listen to him with great indiffer-
ence ; touching and interesting as was the appeal. After a
dry and feeble answer from some one who represented the
Procureur de Roi, (the Attorney-General,) the judges retired,
and we afterwards learned, that, by a majority of ten against
four, they confirmed the decision of the inferior court of
Versailles, and thus gave to the dying hopes of the Protestants,
a cold-blooded coup de grace. I conversed a little with the
eloquent Count Delaborde, who had himself been a Roman
Catholic, and has become a pious Protestant ; also with
Roussel, the minister, who had opened the chapel of Senneville,
and had been fined in consequence. He says, the chapel
continues closed and useless, a mere monument of the
increasing power of Popery, and that the poor, pious people
are cared for by an institittcur, or schoolmaster. I was
also introduced to Odillon Parrot, who had pleaded the cause
before the court of the district of Versailles. He is an

33G

PARIS.

1843.

interesting, warm-hearted man, with a powerful eye, and a
forehead finely developed.

Yesterday was our first Parisian Sabhath. Our meeting
at the Faubourg du Roule was held at twelve o'clock, and was
attended by a considerable number of people, generally
English. At six o'clock we repaired to William Toase's
Wesleyan meeting-house, by appointment. After a time, it
was quite crowded, more so, they said, than ever before ; and
certainly it was a truly solemn meeting. My dear sister was
first engaged, at some length, in exhorting to vital and
practical religion, and was well interpreted for by our
friend Lucas, a minister among the French Methodists. I
afterwards followed on part of John xiv : — " Je suis le chemin,
la verite, et la vie," &c. I trust help was given. The
congregation separated in the feeling of much love and
sweetness.

i

jut. 55.

PARIS.

337

CHAPTER XL.

1843. mh. 55.

engagements at paris continued ; duc de broglie ; guizot ;

DE TOQUEVILLE ; PROTESTANT MEETING; FRENCH BIBLE SOCIETY;
VISIT TO THE KING AND QUEEN AT NEUILLY; JOURNEY TO THE
SOUTH OF FRANCE; MACON; LYONS; AVIGNON; NISMES ; CON-
GENIES; VISIT TO THE FRIENDS; ILLNESS AT CONGENIES.

Paris, 4th mo., 25th, 1843.

I wish most sincerely that we may all be preserved from the
feeling of dissipation, in the midst of the interesting and
ever-shifting scenes which befal us in this place. It requires
watchfulness and care, and I do not feel that we are without
our difficulties ; yet I humbly trust, indeed I fully believe,
that the Lord is near to help.

Yesterday morning, (24th,) Josiah Forster and I made a
few calls together. Our first was on Baron Rothschild, to
establish my pecuniary credit. He was abundantly civil.
He seemed to me to have the same kind of acuteness and
intelligence as his late brother Nathan, and to be pursuing
the same career. I ought to be thankful for the convenience
of moneyed facility in this temporal world ; one feels it par-
ticularly when abroad. May all that I have and am be
rightly devoted to the Author of all my blessings !

We then paid our respects to Lord Cowley, the British
Ambassador, younger brother of the Duke of Wellington, a
sensible, elderly gentleman, who, though very busy, received
us kindly. We talked to him about the case of Tahiti and
the Sandwich Islands. He said he had received official
assurances from the French Government, that the Protestant

Vol. II. — 22

338 paris. 1843.

missionaries in Tahiti shall he fully protected, and the In-
dependent Sovereignty of the Sandwich Islands acknowledged.
At a later hour we called on the Due dc Broglie, of whom I
had so often heard, and whom I was really glad to see. He
received us in a very friendly manner. His late Duchess, the
daughter of La Baronno , de Stael, was a woman of decided
piety, a Protestant, and died the death of the Christian. She
was well known to our sister Fry. The Duke is a liberal Roman
Catholic, and is the author of the projet de loi, on the subject
of emancipation, which has just been published. It is said to
contain a vast mass of well-arranged evidence ; and, though far
from fully satisfactory in its provisions, is probably as good as
the Duke could make it. Neither he nor Guizot can be re-
garded as their own masters in this important matter.

In the evening our rooms were opened to the coloured
people, besides several of our own friends. It was a highly
interesting occasion. There were perhaps forty of them,
chiefly young men — lively, intelligent, polite ; affording abun-
dant proofs that " black blood " has no tendency to destroy
the powers of the mind. I told them a little about the West
Indies, in a French address ; then Josiah Forstcr and I
questioned them respecting the condition of the respective
islands, &c, with which they were connected. We had repre-
sentatives from Bourbon, Cayenne, Guadaloupe, Martinique,
and Ilayti ; and they gave us, in a truly vivacious way, much
information. Slavery everywhere seems to wear the same
characteristics of ignorance and brutality. The slaves appear
to get no education in any of the French colonies, and are
liable to much cruel treatment. In Hayti, too, education is
at a low ebb. It appears that the late revolution there has
been bloodless, and that President Boyer has made his escape
to Jamaica. We ended with a psalm and a solemn pause. I
trust the impression made upon our guests was useful, and
that the evening's service would not be in vain. Yet, had we
been a little more watchful and faithful, the end might more
completely have crowned all.

This morning Josiah Forster and I made agreeable calls on

JET. 55.

PARIS.

339

Vicomtc dc Tracy, and Passy, Anti-Slavery deputies, of great
talent and influence. We were anxious to recommend such a
declaration, on the part of the Chamber of Deputies, as
would pledge them to the consideration of the new projet de
loi at the opening of the next session. But this, it appears, is
not according to the forms of the French Chamber. Some
one in the house will address the needful questions to the
ministers, as to their intentions on the point ; and it is hoped
that their answer will be favourable. We learned, in one
quarter, that even the printing of the Rapport de la Com-
mission or projet was carried in the Cabinet, by Guizot,
with difficulty. We must, therefore, reckon him a faithful
abolitionist, and conclude that he cannot do all that he would.

We also visited a large school of boys, girls, and infants,
under the care of Pressense and the Protestants ; about 800
children. They were at play and at dinner in the yard. We
asked the boys many questions from the New Testament, to
which they gave ready answers, showing a considerable degree
of knowledge. Nothing could exceed their pleasure and
liveliness on the occasion. From thence to the Normal
School under La Society Evangclique, where we found fifteen
young men under careful Christian training for the office of
schoolmasters. The establishment is intended to bo much
enlarged, and is likely to operate very favourably on the com-
munity. A short interview with Lord B , is another in-
cident of the present morning. He is somewhat aged, and
looks pale ; but not out of health. Oh, if he had followed the
Star of Bethlehem in its course, and discovered the Prince of
Life and Immortality for himself, how truly great he might
now have been !

4th mo., 21th. In the evening of the third day we had the

company of several ladies and young women, including -,

who has passed through many deep afflictions, and has a great
attraction towards Friends. Her son, a modest young man
of twenty-three, has lost his all by disappointing the wishes
of his father and uncle, in absolutely refusing to go into the
army, or take any part in military affairs. This is a remark-
able instance, and I believe not a solitary one in France.

340

PARIS.

1843.

We had also the company of Kohl, the German traveller,
whose works are known in England, and of his brother and
sister, all of Bremen. Rigaud, the deputy of the Peace
Society, read us a short lecture, and several of us added a
few remarks. After a comfortable reading of 1 Cor. xiii, in
French, and a short pause, the company separated.

Yesterday morning, having obtained the authorization of
the Prefect of Police, Gabriel Dellessere, a man of talent
and energy, and very kind to us, Josiah Forster and I visited
the new prison, des jeunes detenus, now complete ; about 500
boys in the establishment, the number made up of all the
little vagabonds and thieves, which France, and principally
Paris, happen to furnish, who are shut up here by a kind of
summary process, according to the will of the magistrates ;
not so much because deserving their terms of imprisonment,
(some of which are for three, four, five, or six years,) as under
the consideration, that they will be themselves benefited by
the system of care and discipline. Many are sent to the
establishment by their own parents. The whole is arranged
on the systeme cellulaire. It is solitary confinement, as
it regards their fellows in bondage, but alleviated by the
frequent visits of their teachers and keepers, &c, also by a
very fairly comfortable diet, meat four times a week, and
plenty of bread ; constant employment, school learning, and
some handicraft business, filling up the day in succession.
There -are a large number of corridors, all well warmed ; each
corridor under the care of a superintending officer, who acts
both as schoolmaster and maitre de metier to the boys inhabit-
ing it. The boys are taught in matters of religion, by two
monks, twenty-three at a time, in a room divided into little
departments, so as not to see each other, with a desk in the
centre. They kneel before the Host (without seeing it)
at the sound of a bell, every Sabbath day. Each boy is
allowed half an hour's run during the day, in one of the four
airy court-yards. Each cell is provided with a comfortable
bed, and suitable provision for reading, writing, and cypher-
ing, besides the implements of the work on which the inmate
is engaged. I observed no want of neatness, air, or comfort

JET. 55.

de toqueville; GUIZOT.

341

in the cells. The books for religious instruction consisted
chiefly of extracts from the New Testament, which the boys
get by heart, and Romish Catechisms. We visited many of
the boys in their cells, some of them very young, ranging
from twelve to eighteen years. It may appear somewhat
strange, but it is no more than the truth, that as far as we
could judge, they seemed, without exception, healthy and
happy. I must say it is an excellent specimen of the separate
system, however tyrannical so long an imprisonment may be.

In the evening we dined with our kind friends the Pelcts,
meeting the old Countess, Charles Malet and his mother,
General Meynadier, and Admiral Baudin, Directcur des
Barjnes (galleys,) at Toulon — a man of high station, who
was converted from Popery and has become quite serious.

After dinner, several persons joined the company, the
most interesting of whom were De Toqueville, the American
traveller, a small, intelligent, benevolent, lively Frenchman,
and his friend Beaumont, a fine-looking, energetic young man,
much disposed to be useful to his fellow-men. They are both
deputies, of high reputation, much interested in the cause of
prison reform and anti-slavery. Beaumont informed me that
the Parliamentary Commission had made much use of my
Winter in the West Indies. The evening was an interest-
ing one, and I hope was productive of some good. It seems
to have left a good impression on our friends. Yet it would
have been satisfactory, could we have arrived at somewhat
more of quietness and solemnity. These blessings we have
enjoyed, through mercy, rather richly, at our meeting this
morning; some twenty or thirty persons present; many greatly
affected. We were all three engaged in ministry.

4th mo., 30th. On fifth day (the 27th) we went to dine
with Guizot, who received us with great politeness and kind-
ness. His mother and children were of the party, also
Rosine Chabaud, Directcur de la Bibliothcque Roy ale, and
our kind friend the Due de Broclie.

We stayed rather more than two hours, during which
we had a good deal of free conversation with him. Our main
topics were — first, the Abolition of Slavery; second, the

342

PARIS.

1843

Preservation of Peace ; and third, Religious Liberty. We
did not learn from him that it was the intention of Govern-
ment to act fully on the projet de loi proposed by the Com-
mission ; but he assured us, that the subject of abolition
would be duly brought forward at the commencement of the
next session, and that the children under seven years of age
would be set free. It seemed as if he could not encourage
much hope beyond this, except in the way of amelioration.
We thought he spoke with sincerity, on the subject, and that
he truly feels with us ; but there can be little doubt he has
difficulties both in the cabinet and from the throne. On the
subject of peace he spoke decidedly; saying, that there was
far less danger of any interruption of it, than was the case
when Ave were here two years ago. He also spoke decidedly
on the point of religious liberty, declaring his own opinion,
in opposition to the general sentiment of the Protestants,
that it is making progress, and will advance more and more.
He seemed fully to agree in our view of the advantages de-
rived to a nation, from freedom of thought and action on the
subject, and from dissent. This stirring of the waters is the
means of driving people to a deeper consideration and feeling
of those main principles of religion, on which the welfare of
the community essentially depends. Josiah Forster spoke in
the plainest manner on the Tahiti case and its radical in-
justice ; which Guizot did not attempt to deny, but adverted
to parallel instances in the conduct of Great Britain. He said,
however, that the facts had been exaggerated ; that the
forcible interference of the French had been without the
authority of the Government ; and that the Protestant
missionaries will be left at their full liberty ; that we need not
alarm ourselves on the subject. For my own part, I fully
believe it is a bad case. The very fact of Tahiti's becoming a
station for French troops, together with the probability that
this military force will play into the hands of the Roman
Catholic priesthood there established, seem to leave but little
hope for the Protestant mission, or for the true moral and
religious welfare of the aborigines.

I had much agreeable conversation with Guizot's mother,

JET. 55.

PAKIS.

343

who is evidently a mature and lively Christian. There was a
bright glow diffused over the occasion, and we parted under
the feelings of friendship.

Sixth day was one of great interest, and I think I may add,
of some importance. A company of our friends, interested in
prisons, assembled at nine o'clock in the morning to breakfast,
some of them very interesting persons. They were Moreau
Christophe and Bluet, inspectors, the latter an architect, and
occupe des bdtiments; De Toque ville, Beaumont, and Remusat,
deputies, and active and interested members of the prison com-
mittee of the house; Remusat, late Minister of the Interior,
also an active agent of the government in these matters.
These gentlemen were joined by Lc Chevalier, Directrice
GrCneraU des Prisons de France pour les Femmes, who came
with our friend E. Malet. They were all present at our usual
reading of the Scriptures. After breakfast we had a good
open discussion on prisons, and on the new projet de loi,
which proposes to enact the cellular or separate system for
• all the prisons in France. The idea is to isolate the criminals
from each other, but not from those who can help and do
them good ; solitude with a variety of helps and alleviations,
of which the youths in the prison of La Roquctte already
afford a specimen. I have digested our own views on the
subject, specifying the various alleviations and accompani-
ments of the system which we deem necessary, in a paper
addressed to our friend De Toqucville. With him, Beaumont,
and Remusat, I was greatly pleased ; they may truly be said
to be fine men, intellectual, liberal, ardent, highly talented.
0 that pure religion might master them all ! Moreau
.Christophe is also an interesting man. As far as we know
they are all Roman Catholics. In the evening we had a
large and highly interesting company at our hotel, including
the Greek Ambassador, Colletti, and about thirty young
Greeks, students, and others. It was a truly animating
occasion. After the party was seated I made a short speech
in French, with a view of stimulating them in the pursuit of
literature, virtue, and religion. My sister then addressed
them by the help of the Due de Broglie's kind interpretation ;

344

PARIS.

1843.

also Josiah Forstcr ; and some of the Greeks themselves spoke
in answer to our inquiries on the state of education, books,
&c. ; highly pleased and animated they seemed to he; many of
them were from Greece proper ; others from the Turkish
dominions. We concluded by reading Acts xvii, the visit of
Paul to Athens, &c. ; after which, I had a little to express in
ministry. Numerous little books were then distributed, and
our intelligent, ardent, and apparently high-minded guests,
expressed their hearty pleasure and gratitude on leaving us.
I trust this labour of love was not in vain.

4th mo., 30th. I may record with humble gratitude the
privileges of the Sabbath day which is just past. It was
certainly a day of much favour. [After our meeting in the
morning at the Faubourg du Roulc,] we repaired at four
o'clock, p. M.j to the excellent locale, Rue du Phot, No. X, for
the temporary use of which, as a place of worship, we have
obtained a regular authorization from the Prefect of Police.
About 100 persons assembled, among them about fifteen
young Greeks. It was, through mercy, a solemn, favoured
meeting. I knelt down soon after its commencement, and
poured forth a prayer in French ; after which my sister
addressed the company in a very lively and powerful manner;
first the serious, and next the worldly. She was well in-
terpreted by our friend Lucas. I was afterwards enabled to
preach with some degree, I trust, of life and clearness, on the
divinity of Christ, and the evidences of it in Scripture ; and
on the grand doctrines of the atonement, and the work of the
Spirit. The word preached seemed to be well understood,
and gladly received. A few observations on the daily reading
of Scripture concluded the meeting, which was accompanied by
a blessed feeling of solemnity and comfort. Books and tracts
were distributed in the ante-room.

In the evening we had a large company of the English
visitors now in the hotel, with whom we were favoured with
a solemn reading in the Epistle to the Philippians, and my
sister was engaged in prayer. The Countess Pelet dined with
us alone, and her husband afterwards joined the circle. We
are much bound to them, and they to us, in Christian love.

/ET. 55.

FRENCH BIBLE SOCIETY.

345

Third day, 5th mo., 2nd. At noon, Josiah Forster and I
repaired to the Rue du Phot, where we attended a crowded
meeting of the Society, " pour les interets generaux du
Protestantisme," Admiral Terhueil in the chair. The report
was read hy the young Count Gasparin, and the meeting was
afterwards addressed by Frossard, Monod, Vermeil, and other
pastors. The society embraces a variety of objects ; a house
of study and protection for young Protestant students, at the
Paris colleges; the formation of a jdace of confinement for
young Protestant criminals, and the condition of the question
of religious liberty. I was happily able to understand the
chief part of what was spoken, and was greatly interested,
especially by F. Monod's speech, in which the subject of
religious liberty, and the right conduct of Christians under
persecution, was admirably handled. Josiah Forster concluded
the meeting with a few timely sentences, which were cordially
received.

In the evening we had a large company of Greeks. Our
object was to form an association for the translation, printing,
and diffusion of useful little books, moral, religious, and
literary, for the use of Greece. I hope the seed of such
a society was sown, but the speaking was rather rapid and
confusing ; a sweet solemnity was afterwards felt in the read-
ing of Psalm xc.

Fourth day, 5th mo., 3rd. Attended the meeting of the
Protestant Bible Society, at the Oratoire. It was a large
meeting, but by no means equalling that of the day before in
interest. Both Josiah Forster and I spoke. I told them of
our experience in Norfolk, (their distribution was only 5000
for the year in all France,) and recommended the plan of
Bible associations.

5th mo., 5th. The meeting of the French and Foreign
Bible Society. It was well attended ; Colonel Tronchin
in the chair. Count Delaborde read the report. I spoke
third, after a good enlightening speech from Pressense,
and dwelt on the two great points in the Bible Society,
SimplidU dc hut — the whole Bible and the Bible only, and
CatholieiU in principle — so that all the friends of genuine

346

PARIS.

1843.

Christianity can cordially unite in it. I also spoke of
the most successful means — Bible Associations. On this
subject I was followed by Chevalier Eynard, who proposed a
definite plan, which was cordially adopted by the meeting, of
small weekly subscriptions. In the evening we met a large
company, of Protestants chiefly, at the house of my sister's
friend Andre', the wife of a wealthy banker; one of the leading
Protestant families, of old standing. It was an interesting
scene, and gave a good idea of the texture of the most
respectable French society. An opportunity was kindly given
us of a short religious communication before the party
separated. I expressed a few sentences in French, against
conformity to the world, and by way of encouragement in the
Christian course to all present, and on the preservation of unity.
My sister followed very sweetly, through the interpretation of
our friend Frossard, and the people seemed full of love towards
us on our departure.

5th mo., 8th. * * * * The pasteurs from town and
country assembled for the late meetings, came to a dtjiiner a
la fourchcite, 32 or 33 in number. We had a very solemn
reading before breakfast, in Ephesians iv and vi. After which
my sister spoke well ; and, under a sweetly constraining influ-
ence, I was led to pour forth my prayers for them. The
dejhner was orderly and agreeable. At the suggestion of our
dear sister, loved and honoured as she is amongst them all,
the pasteurs from various parts gave us an account, in turn,
of four points; first the state of religion in their own flocks;
second, the state of the Roman Catholics in the neighbour-
hood ; third, the condition of the schools ; fourth, the state
of the population both Protestant and Roman Catholic, as it
regards the distribution of the Scriptures. The reports were in
general, though with some decided exceptions, very favourable
as to the revival and spread of vital religion among the Pro-
testants. Some spirituality in the midst of forms was acknow-
ledged as having been observed among the Romanists, but
the general account, as it relates to them, confirmed the idea
of the increasing influence and activity of the more objection-
able parts of the system. As to schools, it was evident that

JET. 55.

MEETING WITH PROTESTANT PASTORS.

347

the Roman Catholics have the better of the Protestants,
making a great point of having able masters, and other ad-
vantages which superior wealth and power command. Yet
education in many places is carefully attended to by the Pro-
testants, and a pious minister from Orleans described a
remarkable visitation of the Spirit with which his schools had
lately been favoured. A general testimony was given, that
the Protestant population is Avell supplied with the Scriptures,
and a door for the reception of them among the Roman
Catholics is remarkably kept open by the colporteurs. Pasteu)'
Vermeil, of Paris, a very superior man, complained much
of the practice prevailing amongst decided Protestants, of
attending the best Roman Catholic preaching, which is so
managed as to attract them ; the gospel being, as it were,
thrown out to them from Romish pulpits as a bait. In the
meantime the most absurd notions are in some places circu-
lated respecting the faith of the Protestants. An excellent
"elder," an advocate from Normandy, I believe, spoke of the
desirableness of spreading pamphlets declarative of their
orthodox faith, in those truths which the Roman Catholics
themselves acknowledge, but without controversy. A pastor
present expressed his anxiety at the fact, that many English,
travelling or residing in France, fall under Roman Catholic
influence, and become converts to Popery. My sister made
some excellent remarks on the necessity of unity amongst
themselves, and charity towards all, making honourable men-
tion of the Methodists. This exhortation to love and unity
was well confirmed by Josiah Forster ; who supplied the com-
pany abundantly with books, particularly my works on the
VvTest Indies, Love to God, and on the Principles of Friends.
I made some observations on the danger and disgrace of neology,
and the necessity of a firm holding of the fundamental doctrine
of our Lord's divinity. All seemed pleased, satisfied, and
grateful. Indeed it was an eminently favoured occasion, one
I believe which will long be held in remembrance.

In the evening Guizot dined with us alone. We had much
pleasant and useful conversation with him at dinner and after-
wards. The introduction of the New Testament into prisons

348

PARIS.

1843.

■was one topic well discussed, in which he promised well, and
was thoroughly one with us in the sentiment, that every cell in
the prisons should he furnished with an entire copy, and not
merely with extracts. We had much conversation on religious
liberty, &c. He spoke on all points with great candour and
kindness, and as far as I could judge in the character of a
Christian statesman. It is impossible not to feel a warm and
hearty regard for him.

In the evening of sixth day, the 12th, our anti-slavery
friends assembled at the hotel. We had previously spent a
morning half hour, very agreeably, with the Due de Broglie,
who came in the evening, and took the chair. It was a highly
interesting occasion, present, (besides the Due de B — ,) de Tracy,
Lafayette, (son of the General,) Carnot, Thayer, de Tocpieville,
Isambert, Odillon Barrot, Due de Ilarcourt, St. Antoine, Passy,
de Pusy, Lacrosse, Hain, Roger, &e., in all eighteen. After
the readino; of a communication from the London committee,
I addressed them on the Christian fundamental principles
of the Anti-Slavery Society, and on the subject in an eco-
nomic point of view, endeavouring to correct mistakes, &c.
Several of the company spoke. The Government is to be
questioned in the Chamber as to their intentions respecting
the projet de hi, and when they will bring it forward. The
first step has certainly been taken in the publication of the
projet, and, on the whole, hope prevails. The evening was
highly animating and interesting. I was particularly pleased
with Odillon Barrot, whose fine noble face is just of a piece
with his large and liberal sentiments.

5th mo., 13th. We were refreshed this morning with the
happy intelligence, that dearest J. II. and Anna were safely
arrived. They are well, and it is a great joy to meet again.

An interesting call from L'abbe , who openly confessed to

me his disbelief in many of the absurdities of Popery, pointing
out, in plain terms, the moral dangers both of celibacy and con-
fession. He wished, however, to know how we were to come
at unity without the authoritative dicta of the church. I told
him that, on all essential points, the Scriptures are sufficient
as an exterior standard ; that, on minor points, differences are

/ET. 55.

RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENTS.

349

not hurtful, rather the contrary ; and that as to true unity, it
was the simple result of our heing baptized by one Spirit into
one body. I also explained to him the grounds on which we
admit the preaching of women, with which he seemed satisfied.

I felt very unequal to our evening party, but we were
mercifully helped. It was very large, about 100 I believe,
including Count and Countess Pelet, Baron and Baroness
Mallet and family, Charles and Louisa Mallet, Lafarelle and
his wife, General Menaisier, Vermeil, Countess Laystere, (La-
fayette's daughter-,) Lady Isabella Chabot and her daughter,
(ladies to the Queen,) and Monod our interpreter. It was
understood to be a reunion religieuse. I read most of John iii,
and afterwards spoke in French on the new birth and on faith
in Christ, to a quiet and attentive audience. After a solemn
pause, my dear wife addressed the assembly with great clear-
ness and force, on the words of Daniel to Belshazzar, &c, then
my sister, in excellent counsel and exhortation. In conclusion,
prayer devolved on me. This opportunity has afforded us great
relief. Many Roman Catholics as well as Protestants were
present, and it was a solid meeting. My wife's faithful address
appeared to produce a great impression.

First day, 5th mo., 14th. The day has passed off to our
satisfaction. The Morning Meeting was a time of favour,
but not quite on the same level as our meeting at four o'clock
at the Rue du Phot, which was largely attended, amongst
others by De Toqueville, Moreau Christophc, Baron Raget,
the Eynards, many of the Greeks, &c, &c. I spoke at length
on the subject of the kingdom of Christ; the means of entrance,
the baptism of the Spirit ; the means of being sustained as
members of this kingdom, eating the flesh and drinking the
blood of Christ spiritually. A full answer was given to the
question, who is the King who governs, this kingdom, and how
does he conduct his reign ? I was enabled to speak with much
greater facility in French, than on any former occasion, and
was afterwards engaged in prayer for the people of this city
and country, the King and his family, &c. My sister followed
me in ministry with good effect. It was, on the whole, a time
of remarkable relief. Count and Countess Pelet dined with

350

PARIS.

1843.

as. In the evening we had the English and Americans now at
the hotel, a large company ; and a truly solemn meeting after
the reading of Matthew x and xi. A gentleman from Liver-
pool expressed his gratitude in a very touching manner. Thus
the visit to this place ends, through the tender mercy of our
God, with the best wine.

5th mo., 10th. Our intended departure for Fontainbleau
was prevented by a note from Guizot, informing us of the
King's intention to receive us the next morning. Beranger,
Peer of France, a pious Roman Catholic, much interested in
prisons, called, and some others. In the evening we had Count
and Countess Pelet, De Toqueville and his wife, Moreau Chris-
tophe, Vicomte Dessonville, Lafarelle, and Monod to interpret.
My sister wished to lay before them her view of the evils still
prevalent in the French prisons. It was, I trust, a time of
useful remark and discussion. We concluded with reading
a few verses in John xv, after which I preached a plain
English sermon to three important men — Pelet, Christophe,
and de Toqueville — reminding them of the importance of their
responsibilities as public men, and of the only principle by
which they could be enabled to perform them aright. My
sister afterwards presented each of them with a copy of the
English Bible with references. Thus our staying another day
at Paris did not seem to be quite in vain.

Fontainbleau, 5th mo., 17th.

[This morning] we went in our carriage with post-horses to
Neuilly, and arrived at the chateau at eleven o'clock. After a
short waiting, we were ushered into the drawing-room, where
we found the Queen and Princess Adelaide at work with their
ladies ; three gentlemen standing in attendance. The Queen
looked a little thinned by grief * and age since I saw her
before, but was very kind and interesting. Princess Adelaide
very plain and simple in her appearance, with all the air of a
truly good person. The King soon came in, and gave us a
gentlemanlike welcome, desiring us to resume our seats, and

* It will be recollected that the death of her eldest son, the Duke
of Orleans, had then but recently occurred.

JET. 55. INTERVIEW WITH THE KING AND QUEEN.

351

sitting by us in a sociable way. My sister spoke to him a
little on the state of his prisons, of the dangers of the proposed
cellular system, and on the necessity of its alleviations. I
added a little, describing the system as practised at Phila-
delphia. I then spoke of the West Indies ; referred to the
diminution of produce of late years, explained the cause, men-
tioned the favourable change in the practice of the planters,
and the consequently improved state of things, and increasing
production of sugar ; also the good behaviour of the free blacks
jn Antigua, who had agreed not to ask higher wages, they
being paid at a low figure, notwithstanding the increased de-
mand for their labour arising from the late earthquake. I
told the King, that, since I had seen him last, I had conversed
with the Kings of Holland and of Denmark, who were looking
to France for an example, and pressed on him the great duty of
abolition as far as I could. He seemed to me to be devoid of
prejudice against the measure, but pleaded the usual difficulty,
liCest Vargcnt." I hope, however, that some impression was
made. My dear wife then asked for silence. This was readily
granted, and she was enabled with great clearness and force
to address them ; expressing her desire, that the best of
blessings might descend upon the King and Queen, and
upon all the royal family ; assuring them that her heart
had been touched by the remembrance, that, even Kings and
Princes are not exempt from the common lot of humanity ;
and, adverting to the bitter draught of adversity, of which
they had so largely partaken, she reminded them of the de-
claration of Scripture, that the Lord doth not willingly afflict,
nor grieve the children of men, but that his mercy is " from
everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his
righteousness unto children's children, to such as keep his
covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to
do them."

The impression made was great ; and all the three royal
personages warmly expressed their gratitude for this " prayer,"
as the King called it. My sister Fry followed shortly in sweet
expressions of her sympathy ; and of her desire that these light
afflictions, which are but for a moment, might be so received

JOURNEY FROM PARIS.

1843.

on their parts, as to work out for them a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory. I then told them that in our last
meeting in Paris I had been led to pray publicly for the King
and Queen of the French, that they might be permitted, in due
season to exchange their temporal crown for one eternal, un-
fading, and full of glory. This seemed to touch them. "Ah !
that is the only croAvn," said the Queen. Before we separated,
I spoke to the King on the subject of peace, and told him how
much he lived in the hearts of Englishmen, in his known
character of the patron of peace. He cordially responded to
this view, adding, that when he was resident in America, his
favourite toast was "a speedy and general peace." He well re-
membered attending a Friends' meeting in Philadelphia, "some
fifty years ago, before you were born," said he, addressing my
wife. He shook hands warmly with us on our departure, and
we returned to our hotel, with very pleasing impressions re-
specting those whom we had just visited, and in much peace.

Joseph John Gurney, with his wife and daughter,
now pursued their journey towards the south of
France and Switzerland, leaving Elizabeth Fry and
her daughter still engaged in Paris.

5th mo., 19th. Comfortable journey through Burgundy, &c,
from Fontainbleau to Auxerre ; the country abounding in
vineyards, and divided into innumerable small strips, the
effect, as I suppose, of the law of division of property. It seems
very doubtful whether this law tends to the moral and social
improvement of the community. It is not exactly natural,
and impedes the course of human industry, talent, and zeal.
Yet it must be owned, that the people seem to be very much
at their ease.

5th mo., 22nd. [From Chalons sur Saone] an agreeable
journey by the banks of the beautiful Saone brought us first
to Tournus, where an institutcur (Thierry) performs the part
of pasteur to a flock of Protestants, (about 150,) chiefly poor
converted Roman Catholics, in the town and neighbourhood.
His school was pretty fair, and I have no doubt he is doing

JET. 56.

TO LYONS.

353

much good in a very simple way. I hesitated whether
I ought not to stop for a meeting, hut felt impelled to go on,
though there seemed little probability of obtaining a meeting
at Macon, two stages further, to which I had been looking.
There, however, we arrived about five o'clock, at the comfort-
able Hotel de l'Europe, and soon obtained an interview with
Zipperlin, a German by birth, the pasteur of a flock of about
300 Protestants here, chiefly gathered from among the Roman
Catholics. He is a man in early middle life, of warm heart,
sound principles, and good talents. He agreed to summon his
flock for the evening at eight o'clock, or such of them as could
be obtained ; promising some twenty or thirty. But on our
arrival at the truly simple and unadorned chapel, Ave found
about 100 decent persons assembled ; the men as numerous as
the women: Zipperlin went through his own service (simple
and lively in its way) of a short hymn, short prayer, chapter
in Scripture — 1 John, iii, and a few remarks, in which he kindly
introduced us, speaking in the true spirit of a Christian brother.
We kept our seats quietly the while. He then requested
silence on our behalf. After a comfortable pause, I rose, and
was enabled to address the congregation, in French, under some
precious feeling of the unction which qualifies ; showing the
characteristics of the true church ; the necessary means of
entrance into it ; the nature and operation of saving faith in
Christ ; the sanctifying influence of the Spirit, and the necessity
of walking worthy of our vocation ; the race here, the prize
hereafter. My dear wife spoke afterwards with much sweet-
ness, and I felt true peace in interpreting for her. The meet-
ing concluded with prayer.

Lyons, 5 til mo., 27th.

Our way has gradually opened here, I hope, to useful and
important service ; but it has been a time of some bodily
indisposition, and of much weight of religious exercise :
perhaps, I might say, secret depression and conflict of mind.
The state of things in this place, in a religious point of view, is
decidedly interesting. The Roman Catholics are in great force,

Vol. II. — 23

354

LYONS.

1843.

and very zealous and determined. The Jesuits have the sway
amongst them, and Lyons is the centre of the vast penny-a-
week subscription which is now regularly raised by the Romish
population of France for the propagation of their faith. So
much greater is the zeal of Lyons than of Paris, that whereas
the latter, with her million of inhabitants, raised 80,000 francs
last year, Lyons, with 230,000 inhabitants, raised 140,000
francs. We are told that there is a great deal of sincere piety
amongst them ; that many are seeking rest for their souls ; and
several hundreds have been converted by evangelical preaching^
who now regularly attend the evangelical chapel. The Pro-
testants, about 10,000 in number, are, for the most part, dead
and negligent in religion, attending no place of worship, and
buried in the world. There is a considerable congregation, of
the more respectable classes, who meet at the " Temple," under
the care of the Consistory and pasteur Buisson, and his col-
leagues, who are opposed to evangelical religion. Adolphe Monod,
who, after his conversion, boldly preached the gospel among them,
was finally excluded. This led to the formation of the little
evangelical church, which has been gradually increasing ever
since ; and now they have an excellent chapel, which will hold
nearly 1000 people. These are chiefly converts from the lower
classes of the Roman Catholics ; simple-hearted, and well affect-
ed ; many of them, it is hoped, Christians indeed. The minis-
try of this chapel is conducted by three pasteurs, Cordes, Fische,
and Laught ; Adolphe Monod having removed several years
since to Montauban, where he is one of the professors.

On fourth day, (the 24th) pasteur Cordes, who has been
long in England, called upon us, and gave us heartily the
right hand of fellowship. The widow Evesque, to whom we
had brought a letter, and who lives at a beautiful place in the
country, came to us soon afterwards. We were much pleased
with them both. In the evening, pasteur Cordes accompanied
us to the chapel, it being their regular night of service ; but
in consequence of violent rain, only about sixty people were
present. After the usual service — short and simple — Fische,
who presided, introduced me to the people, and, after a short
silence, I addressed them for more than half an hour, on the

/T3T. 55.

LYONS.

355

true scope, freedom, and spirituality of the gospel. I was
afterwards engaged in prayer. The people seemed very loving,
and we retired to rest with a measure of peace and joy in
the Lord.

On fifth day, (the 25th,) we drove to the widow Evesque's
country house, and dined with her at three o'clock ; the
garden and views of Lyons, from the hill on which the
house stands, are lovely. We met Cordes and his wife, and
enjoyed ourselves at a thorough French dinner, as much as
the prospect of another meeting in the evening would permit ;
a short religious opportunity after dinner. At the chapel, in
the evening, we found a much larger congregation ; from 300
to 400 people, perhaps. I first clearly explained our view of
the ministry, and how impossible it was for me to preach
without the right qualification. After a solemn silence, I
poured forth prayer under some enlivening touches of a
divine unction ; and was afterwards much engaged in preaching
the gospel, for which strength and clearness were given. 1
was led particularly to dwell on the true character of the One
church of God, and of the importance of neither adding to
the simple religion of the New Testament, nor taking any
thing from it. Love and peace seemed to flow abundantly at
the close of the meeting. The people were very cordial, and,
once again, we retired to rest with peaceful and thankful
hearts.

On sixth day, (the 21st,) we took two interesting walks in
the course of the morning ; one to the Rhone, a splendid river,
seen, even here, with a frame-work of mountains ; the other,
to the chapel of the Virgin Mary, at the top of a neighbouring
hill, which innumerable pilgrims visit, and there deposit their
absurd little pictures, and waxen images of the parts of their
bodies for which they require healing. The whole chapel is
hung with these offerings, and with idolatrous inscriptions in
verse and prose to the Virgin. Nothing can be more distinctly
Pagan than the whole affair. Yet there was an appearance of
unmoved and statue-like devotion in some of the people who
were kneeling on the floor. Over the door-way is an inscrip-
tion, in which the people of Lyons publicly ascribe their

356

LYOXS.

1843.

preservation from cholera, on two occasions, to the intercession
of Mary. From the top of the observatory, hard by this
temple of Diana, we enjoyed a splendid view of this great
city; of the course of the Saone and Rhone, and of their
junction; of a vast tract of fertile country, clad in the green-
ness of the early summer ; and of the snow-clad Alps in the
distance, our first, and not to be forgotten, sight of these
glorious mountains. Through the telescope we minutely
examined some Roman remains at a distance — two aqueducts,
and a small temple built in honour of Augustus.

First day, 5th mo., 28t7i. A memorable day, for which we
have reason to be very thankful. The services of it flowed on
in their own course, under what, I humbly believe, was divine
guidance. First our own little, quiet, solemn meeting at ten
o'clock. I then went, somewhat refreshed, to the Evangelical
chapel, where I found a very considerable congregation. I
took and kept my seat quietly ; Laught was preaching. After
he had ended, an opportunity was kindly given me of taking
my farewell, which I was enabled to do under a sweet
solemnity — "Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect," &c. I
visited the library attached to the chapel ; attended and
stirred up a little committee for distributing the Bible ; and
then, under the friendly guidance of one of the brethren,
found my way to the neat apartment of Gezler, a sick man.
I had a precious sitting in that family ; they seemed to bo
truly spiritually-minded people. After a good rest at the
hotel, I again went to the chapel to be present at the end of
the English Church service : about ten persons present.
Collins, sent by the Colonial Society, the clergyman. He
kindly allowed me to address his tiny flock, which I did,
calling them to a watchful walk before men. I afterwards
invited them to our evening meeting at the hotel. This was
held at seven o'clock, and proved a highly satisfactory occasion.
Buisson had given notice of it in the "Temple." Both our
large rooms were crowded. I first addressed them shortly on
the slave trade and slavery, and on the right management of
prisoners. I then read Psalm ciii, after which we fell into
silence. This was broken by my dear wife, who spoke with

yET. 55.

PROGRESS TO AVIGNON.

357

great clearness and effect, pleading for sound, simple, practical
religion ; interpreted for by our young friend Perrin. After
she had concluded, and a short silence had intervened, I was
enabled to preach the gospel at some length, unfolding the
subject of Christianity, as calculated, in its several parts, to
excite the strongest motives of the human mind — fear, hope,
love — showing that the grand peculiarities of the truth as it
is in Jesus, were absolutely essential. The meeting closed in
much solemnity. A few of our friends stayed with us after-
wards, and very sweet was the love which bound us together.
The day ended in much peace, and in the feeling that our work
at Lyons was finished.

Avignon, 5th mo., 31st.

We took the boat from Lyons about nine o'clock, and
enjoyed a delightful voyage to this place ; the river magnifi-
cent, the weather delightful, and the scenery pleasing, but not
so picturesque as north of Valence. Our readings and con-
versations in the steamer were satisfactory, with some distribu-
tion of tracts ; the people, as usual, amiable and easy to please.
On board, amongst others, were Gerandi, late member of the
chamber of deputies, and superintendent of the king's private
demesnes ; Senateur Harrier, of Frankfort, much occupied
about prisons, and bent, like others on the continent, on the
cellular system ; also Vabbe Cocquereau, who went to St. Helena
to fetch the remains of Napoleon ; a very lively personage. He
assured me, that when they opened the coffin of Napoleon, his
countenance and person were in perfect preservation, exactly
like those portraits of him to which one is accustomed. I asked
him if it was true, that the Emperor became religious before he
died. This he fully confirmed, having, as he said, received from
those who were with him full evidence of it. The Emperor de-
clared he was of the Apostolic Koman Catholic Church ; order-
ed an altar to be prepared (dresst) for him in spite of Bertrand's
unwillingness ; confessed to a priest, who spent many hours
in private with him shortly before he died ; received the com-
munion, extreme unction, and other forms of that church. I
inquired whether all this was matter of form, or whether he

358

AVIGNON.

1843.

really confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the
world. The Abbe declared that he did so fully and clearly.
What amount of satisfaction one ought to feel in such a case, I
know not. The most satisfactory feature would have been deep
repentance for his many sins, and especially for the unmeasured
and unmeasurable shedding of blood. The old palace of the
Popes has an imposing appearance as we approach this interest-
ing old city by the Rhone. The warmth and pleasantness of
the air, and beautiful verdure of elms, planes, &c, give a new
feeling of life to us. It was here and in this hotel, (the Hotel
de l'Europe,) that my beloved young brother-in-law, Robert
Fowler, died of a violent fever, which he appears to have caught
in Spain. In the evening, we drove to the Cemetery, and saw
the peaceful spot, marked by a simple stone bearing his name,
and shadowed by four young cypress trees, where his remains
are deposited. It was to me a touching spectacle, full of
remembrances, at once happy and melancholy. * * *

6th mo., olst. Pierron the landlord, and his wife, gave us
an interesting account of dear Robert's illness and death.
Pierron read the Scriptures to him, which appears to have been
very satisfactory. He was remarkably patient and resigned ;
but did not . give up the hope of recovery until the last day.
Almost always in the attitude of contemplation and mental
prayer. Poor fellow ! he seems to have been most kindly
attended to by these dear people ; and there is a sweet feeling
over my mind that his soul rests in Jesus.

We have been visiting the old palace of the Popes, where we
had some serious conversation with a few of the soldiers, for
it is now the barracks. An old lady showed us the dungeons,
salle de jugemens, and places of torture, used under the
Popes, in the Inquisition. On the wall of one of the dun-
geons were several inscriptions graven by the poor sufferers.
One was "the truth of God shall endure for ever and ever,"
in Latin. The place where they were burned was also shown
to us ; the station of the wheel ; the furnace for branding ;
the stone vessel in which they were plunged into boiling
water, &c. Also the chamber in which eighty-four aristocrats

JET. 55.

AVIGNON.

359

were decapitated under Robespierre ; the traces of their blood
pointed out, &c. How far these scenes of horror were
exaggerated to us, I know not; but, I fear, there is much of
truth in the awful recital. The chateau was partly demolished
at the time of the Revolution. A pleasant visit to the Hotel
des Invalides, where we found Bonaparte's old soldiers, enjoy-
in"; themselves under the delightful shade of the avenues of
the gardens. We declared the truth as it is in Jesus to
several little companies of them, and appeared to be pretty
well understood. Afterwards, I called on a lady named Imer,
the aunt, by marriage, of Frank Courtois, of Toulouse,
evidently an enlightened and pious woman.

It was nearly nine o'clock in the evening when the Pasteur
Frcssard accompanied us to his school-room, where Ave found
about fifty people assembled, as many as the room would
contain ; numbers, both Roman Catholics and Protestants,
had been sent away for want of room. We sat together for a
time in solemn silence ; after which I rose with the words,
" Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give vou the kingdom." It was a solemn occasion, endine
in fervent prayer. Several there seemed truly grateful, and
all of them warm and hearty.

Nisracs, Cth mo., 1st.

[Before leaving Avignon this morning] we had an oppor-
tunity of religious intercourse with our truly kind and pious
host and hostess of the Hotel de l'Europe. They are full of
tender recollections of my dear brother, whose grave we have
now left, cleared of weeds and covered with turf, under the
pleasant shade of the four young cypress trees. We parted
'from these kind friends in Christian love. Afterwards a little
party of Protestants called upon us ; Frossard, Gebhard and
his wife, our friend Imer, and others ; with whom we read
Gal. v, and after the subsequent silence, we were both led
into ministry. A real solemnity was over us ; and love and
peace seemed to flow sweetly at the close of this affecting
and interesting visit to Avignon. On our way to Nismes, we
visited that splendid relic of Roman architecture, the Pont
du Gard, a ruined aqueduct. The ruin is striking and in-

360

NISMES.

1843.

teresting, and the surrounding scenery very picturesque. It
is quite a privilege to behold such things, and is far indeed
from interrupting the flow of better and holier things. I love
true Christian liberty in such matters.

Our kind friend Lydia, and afterwards Christine, Majolier,
called upon us ; the latter, our dear and affectionate friend
and helper, dined with us, and then accompanied us to their
week-day meeting, which is held in the girls' school-room on a
fifth day evening. The whole flock was assembled, including
the children, about forty; and the dear aged widow of Louis
Majolier, who now lives here with her daughters. It was a
solemn, encouraging time, in which consolation was given to
the mourners ; prayer at the conclusion. My dear wife spoke
sweetly on the benefit of silence. Tears flowed abundantly.
After the meeting was concluded, the girls despoiled their
pretty garden, in their zeal to load us with flowers; and we
returned to our hotel, well satisfied with the first step in the
visit to Friends of the south of France.

6th mo., 2nd. A very interesting visit to the school in the
morning. It was a gratification to give so much pleasure to
the children, and to receive the tokens of their affection and
gratitude. They are evidently well taught and trained. On our
way home we visited La Fontaine ; fine public walks, with old
Roman baths ; also the Amphitheatre, which presents a wonder-
ful proof of the splendour, wealth, and skill, as well as barbarity
of ancient times. Seldom have I looked on a more imposing
spectacle. In the afternoon we drove a few miles into the
country, with Christine, to visit some friends of hers, named
Sagnier, who amuse themselves with an establishment of silk-
worms. It is just the height of the season; and we were much
interested by the examination of those 300,000 worms ; some
feeding; some busily spinning ; others already buried in their
cocoons. About thirty of the principal Protestants met us in
the evening, to whom I gave an account of our visit to Silesia,
and of the two systems of prison discipline practised in
America. Some serious remarks concluded the evening. I
endeavoured, in the best sense, to feel my way, and to go as
far as circumstances admitted. Christine, who is a private

,ET. 55.

NISMES.

361

teacher here, has no small place iu the regard and affection of
the people.

First day, (Gth ino.,) 4th, was one of peculiar favour. The
meetings were held at the school ; morning, ten o'clock ;
evening, six o'clock. Many, besides Friends, attended in the
morning ; it was a very weighty, anointed meeting, in which
true solemnity was felt, and the freedom and spirituality of the
gospel dispensation fully unfolded. Anna went afterwards to
the Protestant first-day school. Otherwise we were quiet till the
evening, when a large assembly were well accommodated in the
three adjoining apartments at the school. I was enabled to
preach at large, and with clearness, on Christ's being made unto
us of God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemp-
tion. It was a great favour to be helped through this service.

After detailing various other religious engage-
ments at Nisrnes, and in its neighbourhood, Joseph
John Gurney continues : —

Fifth day. A most interesting morning. Our last meeting
for worship with the Friends and the children of the school
was truly memorable. I was led to unfold the nature and
effects of our distinguishing principles, also the history of the
first rise of the Society ; and very solemn was the effusion of
prayer at the close. This meeting leaves me without a burden
as it regards this place. Since the meeting, we have been
rambling over that astonishing relic of antiquity, the Roman
Amphitheatre, with E. Frossard, who has been kindly explain-
ing to us its several parts. What strange scenes have been
enacted there ! Sham sea-fights ; gladiatorship ; fights with
wild beasts ; cruel martyrdoms. What multitudes of the three
classes, patricians, equites, plebeians, whose respective uloca"
are still marked, as well as those in front for the familix in-
signes, ladies and gentlemen, while the common people, both
male and female, thronged the galleries, and crowded the seats
of stone. Twenty-three thousand could be seated at once ;
and the building is so constructed as to allow of their disper-
sing in a few minutes.

3G2

CONGENIES.

1843.

During our drive to Congenies our driver lost the control of
bis horses, as we were going down a hill, and -we were in
considerable danger for a few minutes, but preservation was
round about us, and no harm occurred, either to ourselves or
our carriage. Surely we have abundant cause for thankful-
ness ! We arrived at Congenies in the evening, in time for
meeting. It was large, attended by the Friends generally,
and many others, some of whom were disturbing enough ; but
we had, nevertheless, a good meeting, in which we were both
engaged in ministry. I was led to unfold the teaching of the
Lord ; by the Scriptures ; by afflictions ; by his Spirit. The
simple-hearted Friends crowded round us, and seemed de-
lighted to see us, and we found ample, though humble, accom-
modation at the house of the Majolier family, where we are
most kindly entertained. Much peace rested on our settlement
here.

Sixth day. A day of quiet repose at Congenies, without
an attempt at any exertion beyond reading, writing, drawing,
walking, and talking with the Friends. The weather was
delightful ; and it is interesting to find ourselves in the midst
of the vine, the olive, the fig, the pomegranate, and the almond
tree. The wine produced here is inferior, and is used almost
entirely in the distilleries, for brandy. The vineyards at
present pay badly, and I have been thinking that the soil
might be turned, with advantage, to a better use. It produces
wheat, barley, and oats, without difficulty. We enjoyed a fine
view of the village, the surrounding country, and the distant
mountains of the Cevennes, from the top of a rocky hill,
which we climbed in the evening. On the whole, it was a day
of inward peace, not devoid of its twin sister on earth,
deep inward poverty! To this, some of us are surely no
strangers.

Seventh day. We have begun our family visit in good
earnest. Seven sittings this morning. I believe they were
not entered upon by either of us without some preparatory
baptism of secret depression ; but so far we can acknowledge
that the Lord has been graciously with us, on each successive
occasion, not withholding a measure of his own anointing.

;et. 55.

ILLNESS AT CONGENIES.

863

There are several simple-hearted Friends here ; but it was in
a family of Methodists, father, mother, and six sons, (the aged
grandmother, sister of the widow Majolier, being the only
Friend of the party,) that there was the most remarkable flow
of the heavenly oil. The eldest son was on his bed of sickness ;
once a soldier, now evidently a child of the Lord.

Whilst thus engaged at Congenies, Joseph John
Gurney was attacked with fever, which, for a time,
awakened considerable uneasiness. The symptoms,
however, gradually subsided ; and, after an interval of
rest, he was enabled to conclude his labours in this
part of France.

Second day, 6th mo., 26th. We are now at Nismes. The
complaint gradually subsided on fifth and sixth days, and
yesterday the way opened unexpectedly, for attending the
meeting of Friends of Congenies, which was a time of much
quiet and satisfactory feeling. Notwithstanding my weakness,
I felt constrained to appoint a public meeting at Calvisson, a
neighbouring town, for the evening ; a concern in which my
wife was evidently a deeply-feeling partner ; hundreds of people
met ; many of them rough and ungodly in a high degree. But
strength was given me to deliver the gospel message, and my
dear wife was afterwards memorably engaged, partly in the
language of awful warning. Christine performed her part well
as interpreter, and we returned to Congenies, unhurt, and in
peace.

We came forward to Nismes, with little fatigue, yet I am
but very feeble. Sweet and solemn was the stamp of divine
love and peace which rested on our departure from Congenies,
where we have been most kindly and generously treated, and
where I feel that our work is done. The Lord keep our dear
Friends of that meeting under the shadow of his wings. The
Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon them, and give
them peace !

364

VALLEY OP THE ISERE.

1843

CHAPTER XLT.

1843. 2et. 55—56.

journey through savoy into switzerland ; chamberry ;
anneci j geneva; countess de sellon ; lausanne ; neuf-
chatel; zurich ; baslej strasburg ; stutgard ; visit to
the king and queejj of wurtemberg j brussels; calais.

Proceeding by easy stages, Joseph John Gurney
pursued his journey by way of Savoy towards
Switzerland.

Grenoble, 7th mo., 1st.

We have been travelling through a lovely country and have
enjoyed a sense of true peace. In the afternoon of fifth day,
we drove about thirty miles through the valley of the Isere, a
beautiful river, now very full from the late rains, to St. Marcel-
lin ; distributing on our way numerous tracts and little books.
Our drive yesterday morning, of four stages, through a still
more picturesque part of this lovely valley, was really charm-
ing. The richness of the valley, the occasional catches of
the broad silver stream of the Isere, and the noble mountains
on either side, not to mention the neat houses, and pleasant,
prosperous-looking population, gave us real pleasure. We
conversed at Tullins with one of about thirty converts from
Popery, who have lately been brought, with little of human
instrumentality, to the knowledge of the truth, — Martinez,
a flax-dresser, and were pleased with his spirit and appearance.
We arrived at this beautiful place in time for dinner. In the
evening we walked out to the quai, where a splendid, and
not-to-be-forgotten view of the snowy Alps, their tops illu-
minated by the sun, burst unexpectedly upon us. This

jst. 55.

GRENOBLE.

365

morning my dear wife and I have been again feasting on
these delicious views. This apparently thriving town on the
Isere, of nearly 30,000 inhabitants, is environed with moun-
tains. Some of these are always snow-capped ; but after a
wet and cold spring, this is more than usually the case at
present ; and glorious in the view of those who can say, "My
Father made them all," is the aspect which they present.

Chamberry, 7th mo., 3rd.

Soon after the last entry Pasteur Bonifas called; a man of
somewhat advanced years ; very kind and agreeable, and
devoted to the cause of Christ. His wife is a cousin of
Guizot's, and they have the care of nine young ladies, with
the assistance of an English governess. It was finally
agreed, that he should give notice at the close of his morning
worship, of a meeting to be held by me, after the manner of
Friends, in the afternoon. Yesterday morning, first day, we
sat down to our little private meeting, which was a time of
true refreshment. I was much engaged in prayer. About
two o'clock we went to the "Temple." Somewhat more
than one hundred persons present, including about twenty
soldiers, perhaps more. The pulpit was delivered up to
me ; and I believe a meeting was truly held, after the manner
of Friends. I explained our views of worship ; and,
after a solemn silence, rose with the words, the " Sceptre
shall not depart from Judah," &c. ; on which I was enabled
to preach fully, declaring the glorious gospel at considerable
length. Afterwards solemn prayer ensued. At the close I
ventured to give notice of a meeting to be held in the evening,
at our hotel; half-past seven. We returned home in a
good degree of peace. To our comfort, a large and most
desirable assembly met in the evening, a larger meeting in a
private house than had ever before been known at Grenoble.
We read part of Romans viii ; explaining that Scripture
reading was our constant practice on a First day evening.
After a solemn silence, my dear wife addressed the assembly
in a close, searching, but truly evangelical discourse. The
lady who kindly undertook to interpret failed ia her attempt,

3GG

SAVOY.

1843.

and the office devolved on me. There was a sweet and pre-
cious solemnity over us, and I was enabled to do it with ease
to myself, and comfort to us both. After she had finished, I
was much enlarged in ministry. It was a remarkably solid
and satisfactory meeting. Thus after deep humiliation,
poverty, and weakness, the Lord was again pleased to open
the way for service among many who are evidently hungeriug
and thirsting after righteousness. The result Avas great peace.

This morning we paid a highly interesting visit to the
pasieitr and his family, including the school. We have since
travelled about 40 miles to this place, through such scenery
as I had never met with before. The rich valley of the Isere,
adorned with trellissed vines, walnut, chesnut, and other
trees, and ripening corn ; and the silver stream ever and anon
extending the whole way through a glorious defile of moun-
tains ; those on our right lofty and regularly stratified lime-
stone rocks, many of them covered with brushwood to a great
height ; and those on the left, the Alps of the Mont-Cenis
range, covered with snow. The population appeared healthy,
well-clad, industrious, and at their ease ; many haymaking, in
picturesque groups. After passing the Savoy Douane with
much ease, we arrived at the comfortable Hotel de la Poste ;
and, though somewhat fatigued and feeble, have much cause
for thankfulness in being quietly here.

Anneci, 7th mo., 4th.

After a day of considerable feebleness, and a drive of four
stages through a very fertile country, without very much to
interest, except the magnificent view of the valley of Cham-
berry on leaving it, we came to this lovely spot in time for an
hour's rest before a five o'clock dinner. My wife and I en-
joyed our quiet Scripture reading, &c, as we came along. It
is, however, affecting to be passing through a country in which
the people are wholly in the hands of a useless military force
on the one hand, and of numberless ecclesiastics on the other.
It is surely a land of darkness ; and so strict is the Govern-
ment of Savoy, that not a religious tract can be distributed by
the Christian traveller with impunity. We have heard of an

JET. 55.

GENEVA.

367

English p-cntlcman bein;r thrown into prison for some months
for this offence ! 0 that the light of the gospel may, in
some unexpected manner, and in despite of all human or
diabolical powers, break forth amongst them !

Anneci is a pretty town of 12,000 inhabitants, the second in
Savoy, after Chambery, situated on the borders of a lovely
mountain-girt lake, four leagues in length. We have greatly
enjoyed a row of an hour or two on these waters this evening,
and seem to be now concluding our day, in a measure of true
peace.

Geneva, 7th mo., 5th.

The Hotel des Bergues, where we have taken up our quar-
ters, promises to be a delightful temporary home. It is on
the borders of the lake, which our apartments face ; and before
us, at the distance of 60 miles, the summit and shoulder of
Mont Blanc, white with snow, are distinctly visible above the
long slope of a dark mountain in front of them. The atmo-
sphere is clear, and the town looks clean and bright. We are
well pleased, I trust thankful, to be here ; a place I have long
thought about and looked towards. I have felt but feeble this
evening, and we may probably pass a day or two in surveying
the lake, before we attempt a beginning of service.

1th mo., 10th. Our excursion to the other end of the lake
answered well. The weather continued delightful ; and nothing
could be more lovely than the lake and the surrounding
scenery as we passed along, especially towards the upper end,
where the mountains, overhanging the south coast, are truly
sublime. Not much less beautiful are the green cultivated
slopes of the northern shore, adorned with pretty villages and
towns, and backed by the range of the Jura. We reached
Vevay in the evening. There we found just such a resting-
place as I wanted, facing the end of the lake, and mountain
scenery of the noblest character. The Dent du Midi, covered
with snow, was full in sight. We greatly enjoyed our quiet
evening there on fifth day. * * Our voyage back to
Geneva was very pleasant. In the course of it we made an
interesting acquaintance with the Princess Mary, of Wurtem-
berg, a very pleasing personage, who recognized me from the

368

GENEVA.

1843.

description which her sister, the Princess of Orange, had given
her of our visit at the Hague. Princess Mary is travelling with
her husband, Count Niepberg, the son of the gentleman who
married the Empress, Marie Louise. On our arrival at Geneva,
on sixth day evening, we were met by my old friend the Pas-
teur Gaussen, who is full of recollections of his visit to Earl-
ham, of my brother and sister Cunningham, and others of the
family. He is, indeed, a warm-hearted Christian friend. He
warmly invited me to "preach " at the Oratoire on First day
evening, but so I was not led.

On seventh day we received an early visit from the Countess
de Sellon, and her two unmarried daughters, very agreeable
people. The Countess took me to Pasteur Barde, an evan-
gelical clergyman of the National Church, with whom I was
much pleased, and at whose house I met another pasteur, the
brother-in-law of Cordes, of Lyons. We concluded to hold our
first meeting at the hotel, and I afterwards went to Gaussen
to inform him of our conclusion. He was a little disappointed
I think, but kindly agreed to give notice of it, in the Oratoire
after the morning service.

In the afternoon we drove to La Fenetre, the delightful
country residence of the Countess de Sellon, where there is a
fine view of the lake, and, when the sky is clear, of Mont Blanc.
We had a good religious opportunity in her family. Her late
husband was a man of high character and great philanthropy,
the founder of the Peace Society here ; and I humbly trust,
died the death of the Christian. I believed myself led to
quote the passage, " Blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord, &c," and afterwards found that these words are
inscribed on his monument. We then repaired to Gaussen's
very pretty retreat, close to Geneva, where we met a pleasant
company ; Sir Culling Eardlcy Smith, Hope, Hare, the English
clergyman, Perrot, an old friend of the Cunninghams, very
hearty, and several ladies, chiefly Swiss. After tea I told
them about Silesia, America, &c, in French, and we ended
with Psalm xxiii. I think it might be said that true Christian
love flowed amongst us. We spent First day quietly in our
hotel. In the morning we received a very pleasant call from

J5T, 55. GENEVA. 3G9

the Princess Mary and her companion. Our little quiet meet-
ing afterwards, was truly refreshing and settling, my dear wife
being sweetly engaged in prayer.

At six o'clock in the evening, many assembled in our large
apartment ; including the Sellons, Gaussen's daughter and
sister, himself prevented by over-fatigue, Hare, the clergy-
man, and others ; so as pretty much to fill the room, notwith-
standing the rough weather. It was, I trust, a favoured
meeting. After a long pause, I first explained our views of
worship, and spoke a little of the true baptism. My clear
wife followed in a flow of encouragement towards the true
Christians then assembled. I had great comfort in interpret-
ing for her. Afterwards it was given to me to enlarge on the
true nature of the Christian church ; the mode of entrance
into it ; the faith of its living members in all the essential
truths of Christianity ; the nourishment and refreshment
given to them on their journey, the body and blood of'
Christ, and the waters of life; the government and priest-
hood ef Christ over this universal spiritual body ; and the
glorious termination, the day of judgment, and the final
victory of the saints. The immediate influence and guidance
of the Spirit were much enlarged upon ; and I trust many
hearts responded to the doctrine. Solemn prayer concluded
the meeting.

Having been again joined at Geneva by their
friend Josiah Forster, Joseph John Gurney writes : —

1th mo., 19th. Our sabbath was a peaceful and solemn
one. Pasteur Cordes, from Lyons, came in the middle of our
morning meeting. Afterwards a kind call, with hearty
invitations from the Saladins and Perrots. The evening
meeting, at six o'clock, was respectably attended, and I was
enabled to declare the truth to an attentive audience. It
was, I believe, a good meeting, of which we received various
testimonies afterwards. Pasteur Barde and his wife of the
company. After the meeting a quiet and truly pleasant

Vol. II. — 24

370

GENEVA; LAUSANNE.

1843.

evening. Josiah Forster read to us the excellent epistle of the
last Yearly Meeting, and other documents ; the day closing
with a sweet solemnity. Second day evening pleasantly spent
with our friend Perrot, at his beautiful place, surveying the
lake. There we met an agreeable Christian party, and the
evening concluded with Scripture reading, and a very touching
religious opportunity. There is much that is valuable as well
as spiritual in the Genevese ; the prevailing character more
analogous to that of the English than that of the French.
Yesterday evening we repaired to the Casino, where 500 or 600
people collected, including nine pastors, many young men, but
a majority of ladies. Much facility was afforded me in giving
the account of the West Indies, and in arguing the whole case
of emancipation, showing the working of Christian principle
both in causing it, and in its results. When that subject was
finished, I spoke shortly, but, I believe, strongly, on the slavery
under which we all are by nature ; of its miserable conse-
quences ; and of the only deliverance, through the great Eman-
cipator of the human race. There was a very solemn feeling
over the meeting at its close. Josiah Forster spoke at the
beginning and the end shortly. A true friend and helper he
is to me.

1th mo., 2o)\l. We were favoured with an excellent meet-
ing at Lausanne. Our friend Scholl, who came to. us before
the meeting, had done his work well in preparing our way.
The Oratoire was well filled, several pasteurs and other
respectable people present. It was a solemn time, and I was
enabled to feel the flowing of the holy oil, in the simple
preaching of the gospel. The next morning Charles Cook
came to breakfast, the apostle of the Methodists on the
continent, who, I believe, has been very useful ; also a very
clever man, Gauthiez, who has the care of the Normal school
(which he conducts on Christian principles) for the instruction
of the schoolmasters of the whole Canton de Vaud. This
Canton contains 180,000 inhabitants, its government strictly
democratic ; radicalism is found here, as elsewhere, to be
much opposed to evangelical truth. Yet true liberty and the
gospel are surely near allies ! Before our departure by the

JET. 55.

GENEVA.

371

boat, the Professor Vinet came to us, a man of great worth
and talent, who has written very ably on religious liberty, the*
separation of Church from state, &c. He is a modest, retiring
person, his countenance bespeaking his power. He liked the
meeting, and gave us the right hand of fellowship. We
were glad to return to the delightful Vevay, and its
sublime lake and mountain scenery. There also we held a
good meeting in the Oratoire, but not numerous, as the notice
was short. Matter flowed, and much solemnity and sweet-
ness were to be felt. The pasteur Grenier, (whom dearest
Priscilla had known and helped at Nice, when his wife was
ill,) Baup and Dol were present, and wc afterwards drank tea
at Quonod's, a pious lawyer and magistrate, married to a
ward of Lord Melbourne's. The evening was pleasant, and
ended in religious solemnity. Baup, a truly pleasing young
man, once minister of the French church in London, break-
fasted with us in the morning ; I addressed him shortly.
Several of our kind friends accompanied us, with some
difficulty, on account of the waves, to the steamer. Our
voyage home was to me refreshing and agreeable, though I
had passed a poor night, not without mental plunges which
sometimes beset me.

1th mo., 25th. The dejeuner with the pastors and others at
Geneva, yesterday, was certainly a highly interesting and
satisfactory occasion. All prejudices seemed melted away,
and hearty brotherly love was the general feeling. During
the remainder of the day, until the evening, a feeling of
fatigue was prevalent with me ; but we had some intimate
conversation with the Baroness de Stael, who made us a kind
call. In the evening, to Colonel Tronchin's, at Besanges,
where we met about fifty people, including Merle D'Aubigne.
We walked to the Chalet, which the Colonel has built as a
refuge for convalescent invalids, presided over by a Protestant
sceur de Charit'e. It is a lovely spot, and every thing in truly
Christian order ; nineteen female patients. Colonel Tronchin
is a man of large property, who seems abundantly willing to
spend and be spent for the advancement of the kingdom of
Christ,

372

GENEVA.

1S43

After our return from the Chalet, Dr. II , of Glasgow,

related the particulars of the late wondrous secession from the
Church of Scotland, in which 480 evangelical ministers,
Dr. Chalmers at their head, have left the church, on two
grounds : — first, the non-intrusion principle, which the
Church in Synod had decreed before the secession ; to the
effect that no minister should be forced on any parish,
by patrons, whether the Crown, or individuals, without the
consent of the communicant parishioners, or against their
veto. The evangelical ministers, who had, of late, gradually
increased to a decided majority in the Synod, adopted this
resolution, with a view of so far popularising the Church,
as might satisfy the doubts, and check the course of those
who were inclined to join the former dissenting secession ;
which had arisen out of the vain efforts of the late Dr. Andrew
Thompson, and others, to get the system of patronage abolished
by Act of Parliament. In forming this decision, the Synod
went in direct opposition to the law of the land.* Afterwards
a number of ministers who supported the law, in opposition
to the decree of the Synod, were unfrocked by the ecclesiastical
power. — Secondly, the principle of spiritual independence,
namely, that the church is a spiritual body, and is capable in

* This may, perhaps, be thought to be too strongly stated. The
law of the land can hardly be said to have been distinctly defined
upon the question, until the decision of the House of Lords, in the
Auchterarder case, in 1839, (five years after the " Veto Act" passed
the General Assembly,) and the great difference of opinion amongst
the Scotch judges, (where the judgment against the right of veto
passed only by a majority of eight to five,) would seem almost to justify
Dr. Chalmers and his friends in their previous belief, that the
General Assembly had not exceeded its jurisdiction, in passing the
Veto Act. The Act appears to have received the sanction of some
of the leading Scotch lawyers of the day, if not of Lord Brougham
himself. See Dr. Chalmers' Life, vol. iii, p. 362, n. The judgment
of the House of Lords, however, set at rest the question of law.
The subject is discussed with great clearness and force by both Lord
Brougham, and Lord Cottenbam. See G Clark and Finnelly's Reports
in the House of Lords, pp. G4G — 756.

JET. 55.

GENEVA.

373

inalienable right, and bound in Christian duty, to arrange its
own affairs, as it pleases. Finding it impossible to carry out
these two principles in the face of the law, the whole party
seceded, our dear friend Dr. Chalmers at their head, stoutly
maintaining, at the same time, both the doctrines and discipline
of the Church of Scotland, and as stoutly declaring that they
were still opposed to the voluntary system, and held it to be
the bounden duty of the State to support the Church, and so
to provide the means of religious instruction for the people.
In point of fact, however, it is perfectly clear that the new

body, as Dr. H observed, is, like the former seceders from

the same church, fairly driven into dissent. It is surely an
idea, without the smallest practical foundation, that the State
is to support the church, without ever meddling in its affairs.
The world chooses to be paid for such patronage. There
seems to be no alternative between the subjection of the
church to the civil power, and absolute liberty and indepen-
dence ; in other words, a clear divorce between the two parties.
These are evidently the views of Merle D'Aubigne', Gaussen,
and other evangelical men in Switzerland, especially our friend
Vinet, of Lausanne ; whose writings on the subject display
great power of intellect, a lively fancy for illustration, and a
nice sense of truth.

After Dr. H had finished, my wife and I were invited

to speak. I read the first few verses of Romans viii, and, after
a little pause, spoke freely on the blessed privileges of true
Christians, and of the faithfulness of our God and Saviour ; at
the same time calling to watchfulness, humility, and prayer,
reminding the company of the exhortation — "Let him that
thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." My wife ad-
dressed them, with much solemn emphasis, in a similar strain ;
and great was the love which seemed to flow towards us at the
breaking up of the company. This morning, as we passed by
Colonel Saladin's, we found a flock of our kind friends waiting
on the road to bid us their last hearty adieu — a scene not soon
to be forgotten ; and quite a little crown to our visit at Geneva.

1th mo., 28t7i. At Neufchatcl, Professor Petavel and his
wife met us, invited us to tea, and informed us that a meeting

374

NEUFCIIATEL.

1813.

was appointed for the evening at the Oratoire. They are pious
and hearty people, much alive to the guidance of the Spirit,
and attached to the principles of Friends, so far as they know
thein. They are great friends of our dear friends John
and Martha Yeardley, who appear to have paid them a very
timely visit, when a heloved son of the family was at the point
of death. We drank tea with them, and after a time of silence
and ministry, we all went together to the Oratoire. There
a considerahle assembly was collected — chiefly women. It
was a solemn meeting. In connection with the 35th of Isaiah,
I was led to unfold the spiritual reign of Christ, and its blessed
effects in changing the hearts and regulating the conduct of
men. We afterwards visited the professor's aged mother on
her bed of sickness, and ministered to her, as our divine Master
was pleased to give us ability. Thus the day ended in peace.

After breakfast the next morning, we received some interest-
ing visits from several of the persons who had attended the
evening meeting ; among the rest, Perrot, formerly one of the
most zealous pastors in the canton, but who found himself
stayed in his course, called to silence, to solitude, to intro-
version of soul. He is now living a life of pious retirement.
I reminded him of the cloud resting on the tabernacle. The
Israelites were not permitted to journey forwards while it was
so ; whether for a day, a week, a month, or even a year. Eut
no sooner did it rise and move onward, than they were bound
to follow it in the obedience of faith. I believed it would be
so with him, and that his present inaction was but a prepara-
tion for future service.

Yesterday we took our slow, but pleasant, journey to Berne,
passing by the northern part of the lake Neufchatel, and in
sight of the small lake Morat. The country pleasant ; the
wild flowers delightful ; the snowy Jung-frau and neighbouring
peaks beautifully in sight, during the latter part of the journey.
The approach to Berne through a long avenue of limes, very
pretty. Arrived to an eight o'clock dinner.

This morning, after some necessary arrangements for our
meeting, we started for Hofwyl, about eight miles through a
pleasant country, adorned with Bernese cottages, and well

JET. 55.

BERNE; IIOFWYL.

375

cultivated in corn, &c. Our visit to the pastor Fellenburg
and his family, of about two hours, was highly interesting.
He is an old man of seventy, but full of energy, talent,
and benevolence ; a genius for the work which engages
him, and in which he has been occupied more than forty
years. He has a fine expressive countenance, and converses
well. It is in vain to attempt the description of his
system, but the chief points are to elucidate and embody all
theoretical knowledge by facts, and so to subordinate all things
to the moral nature of man, as to regenerate society by the
mere force of education. It is a system which seems to take
as its basis, a supposed native capacity in man to become and
to be good through culture ! Yet Christianity is by no means
disregarded. It is said to be preached by a Protestant one
Sabbath, and by a Roman Catholic the next, in a chapel of
the institution ; the New Testament is used in the schools,
and a certain religious instruction given ; and the whole moral
system of Fellenburg passes under its name. Yet we could
not think that Jesus Christ, the crucified One, the propitiation
for the sins of the whole world, was the foundation on which
our philanthropic and devoted friend was building. He said
some things which sadly evinced the contrary. Yet we could
not but admire and esteem him. By nature he is surely
endowed in no common degree, and his conduct is, by all we
hear, truly virtuous. It is for virtue, indeed, that he pleads,
systematizes, and acts, rather than for the doctrines of grace
and sanctification.

The agriculture of Hofwyl surprised me. The whole terri-
tory reminded mc of Holkham in Norfolk — once uncultivated,
now well and productively farmed. Fcllcriburg's eleves are in
four divisions. The young gentlemen in his own house ; forty
in number, or somewhat more. The children of the middle
class, about sixty-five, in a second house ; and those of the
poor in a third house, about forty. The three schools united
in worship. The boys of number one were just about to
commence their vacation of four weeks, to be spent in a walk
about Switzerland, under the care, of course, of suitable
masters.

376

BERNE.

1843.

In a time of religious retirement with Fcllenburg and his
family, Josiah Forster and I plainly stated our Christian
sentiments, and were answered by our aged friend, with great
kindness. I trust we parted from them in Christian love, and
that this love was mutual.

Berne, first day afternoon, 7th mo., 30th.

We have found an agreeable resting-place here. Our dear
friend Sophia Wurstemburger joined us yesterday morning,
and after some close consideration, we were favoured to arrange
our plans satisfactorily for the Week. The latter part of the
morning was pleasantly spent in a visit to an institution in
the country, for the reformation of naughty boys, who are
divided into families after the example of the Itauhe haus,
near Hamburg. The children, nineteen in number, were
industriously at work, and cheerfully gathered round us,
listening attentively to a few sentences of Christian counsel.
Christian care and instruction, cleanliness and industry, appear
to prevail in this institution. May it be productive of real
good, as we believe it is ! On our way home, we called at a
boarding-school for poor orphan girl.?, under thorough Christian
care. We all fell into silence under a feeling of good, and the
children were addressed by each of us.

The evening we spent at the sequestered abode of Sophia
Wurstemburger 's parents. There we enjoyed a memorable
view of the Bernese Alps covered with snow. Who can
describe their magnificence ? It is but seldom that the clouds
have lately allowed any view of them. We gazed, and gazed,
and gazed for about an hour; receiving abundant information,
geographical and historical, from our host.

The picture left on the mind by this mountain range, (like
that of Mont Blanc and his companions, and of the lower
Alps from Grenoble,) is a treasure for life. Surely we may
read of the Creator, for some good purpose, in the book of
these "everlasting hills." We parted from our kind friends
after satisfactory religious communication.

This morning, our little private meeting was, to my feelings,
a time of fervent exercise of soul, and some sweet solemnity

jet. 55-56.

GRINDELWALD.

377

I have since visited the prison, and was kindly favoured with
an opportunity of addressing about 480 prisoners, all assembled
in their chapel, under the interpretation into German of pastor
Fellenberg. They seemed attentive and serious ; but alas ! I
fear it is a hard soil to work upon. Four hundred and eighty
criminals for a Canton containing 400,000 inhabitants, (1 in
800,) is too large a proportion ; and all this in spite of schools,
pastors, and a catechetical, formal knowledge of religion, which
is general even among the mountaineers. The secret which
explains the phenomenon, is the prevalence of drunkenness.
So much for even the light wines of the continent ! Re-com-
mitments, one quarter. The prisoners work together in com-
panies, and are well employed.

They now proceeded to Zurich by way of Interla-
ken, from which latter place they visited Grindelwald.

Grindelwald, (writes Joseph John Gurney,) is charming
indeed, beyond any thing in nature that I ever saw, except
perhaps, Niagara ; but we had not time to visit both its
glaciers, only the lower one, to and from which wo walked and
scrambled with much true pleasure. Its magnificent cavern of
white and blue ice, (which changes its shape daily, and which
when we visited it was peculiarly fine, sayt150 feet high, and
broad and deep in proportion,) can never be forgotten while
memory lasts. This glacier is propelling itself, by degrees,
more and more into the valley, and brings with it, and pushes
before it, large fragments of rock, so that Agassiz's method of
accounting for the boulder-stones, by the action of glaciers, is
not without some practical foundation.

From the hotel at Grindelwald we enjoyed a delightful view
of the two glaciers, and the Wetterhorn and Finsteraarhorn
towering above them, in the perfection of snowy whiteness.
The clouds still obscured the Schreckhorn : but sunshine was
upon the general picture ; on the green valley ; on the pastures
no less vividly green ; on the sides of the mountains, with
woods interspersed, and Bernese chalets scattered here and
there; on the picturesque spired church and pretty village; on

ST8

GItlNDELWALD ; LUCERNE.

1813.

the glaciers; on the dark-brown rocks immediate!}7 below them,
and on the almost magical masses of snow above ! 0 these
mountain horns in their pointedness and whiteness ! who can
forget their beauty and sublimity ?

The great Eigher unveiled himself as we descended from
Grindelwald towards Interlaken, and when we arrived at the
latter place, Jung-frau, in all her beauty, was full in sight.

Humbling, yet substantially relieving to my feelings, was
the " Quakers' Meeting" which we held that evening in the
Salon de Societe at the Belvidere, with some sixteen or
eighteen ladies and gentlemen, mostly, to all appearance, of
the butterflies of this earth ; but they settled into quietness,
and received with kindness the plain doctrine which I was led
to preach to them, on the Christian's stewardship.

Zurich, 2nd day morning, Sth mo., 7th.

On sixth day, the 5th, we journeyed from Entlebuch quietly
and pleasantly enough to Lucerne ; where we found a pleasant
abode in a house belonging to the Swan Inn, our balcony
surveying the beautiful lake and admirable range of moun-
tains, Righi, Pilatus, and their companions, with the snowy
Alps behind. After calling on Calame, the deputy from
Neufchatel to the Diet, which is held here ; and after en-
deavouring to arrange a meeting in the evening with Bost, a
pious young man, a shorthand writer to the deputation
from the Canton de Vaud at the Swiss Diet, but preparing
for the ministry, we spent the early evening in a delightful
row on the lovely lake, so far as to give us a view of the four
arms which it spreads forth into the respective Cantons of TJri,
Schwitz, Unterwald, and Lucerne. Nothing can be more
charming than the scenery ; and when the sun was setting,
after our return, the pink and purple hues with which the
mountains were tinted, and the bright green of the lake, gave
a transitory effect of colouring, which I have rarely seen
equalled. Bost and his wife spent two hours with us in the
evening; pious, agreeable young people. Lucerne is a Roman
Catholic Canton, and the few Protestants are under depres-
sion. If any man becomes a Protestant, he is deprived of

^:t. 56. zcg; zuricii. 379

his citizenship, and becomes an outlaw, the priesthood so
bears sway in the government ; but the Jesuits are not yet
admitted. The Diet was sitting here — Lucerne, Berne, and
Zurich received it, each two years, in succession. The Can-
tons are sovereign states ; but certain points are placed, by
mutual compact, under the authority of the Diet. The Diet
has the power to call on the Cantons for proportionate supplies
of soldiers, in case of national need. All the male inhabitants
are for a time soldierized when young ; a foolish practice,
which cannot fail to do much harm ; one cause, doubtless, of
the low state of morals, which is prevalent even in free,
mountainous, picturesque Switzerland. Ten hours' journey on
seventh day, the 5th, brought us to Zurich. We stopped two
hours at Zug, the minute and shabby capital, of 3000 inhabi-
tants, of the smallest state, entirely Roman Catholic. It is
situated on the pretty little lake of the same name, on one
side flat, on the other crowned with the Righi and other
mountains. Talked with a Capuchin prior, of whom there
are ten in the town ; he was clothed in coarse garments, had
the air of piety, and had been visiting an invalid. The road
from Zug to Zurich is over a long hill ; in descending which,
we enjoyed a delightful view of the lake of Zurich and the
numerous brisjht-lookino; villages on its bank. Zurich itself
is a neat prosperous town, as pleasant as the "villages" of
New England, about 18,000 inhabitants, and a thriving
populous voisinage ; the manufactory of silk being the chief
employment. In the evening, we received a friendly visit
from our kind and effective helper Matilda Escher, who has
been translating into French my work on the Sabbath, and
who had already arranged our meeting for First day evening,
to be held at her father's house. Thus we found our work
prepared, and we ended the week in health and peace.

In the morning of yesterday, a clear prospect opened be-
fore us of seeing our beloved friend the Countess Pelet and
her husband. For this purpose, my dear wife, Anna, and I
drove over to Baden, twelve miles, and spent an interesting
and satisfactory hour with our dear friends, who were delighted
to see us. Baden is a pretty Clifton-like place, though by no

3S0

ZURICH.

1843.

means equal to it, on the Limat, in Argovie. In that Roman
Catholic Canton, the government, for political ends, has lately
suppressed all the monasteries and convents, which has oc-
casioned great excitement in these parts, and occupies the
chief attention of the Diet, heing contrary to the federal
compact. The Protestant members are opposed to it, as an
act contrary to religious liberty. "We returned to Zurich in
time for dinner ; and at half-past six o'clock, repaired to the
house of the Escher family, where we found about sixty per-
sons, including several pastors and many ladies, already
gathered into silence. The solemnity of the occasion was affect-
ing. I was led to speak at length on 1 Cor. i. — " Ye see your
calling, .brethren," &c, showing the true wisdom and true
philosophy which are to be found in Christianity, its applica-
bility to the motives of the human mind, and its results in
justification, sanctification, full and final redemption. I was
interpreted for into German, by our friend Keller, who keeps
a school here, knows English well, and is a serious man. We
had afterwards much friendly conversation with the assembled
circle, including the Antistcs Fuessli, the successor of Gessner,
and Professor Lango, of theology, successor of Strauss, the
neologist, who was excluded from the office by a popular revo-
lution in 1830. The people, it seems, respect religion ; and we
trust the life of it is increasingly known and felt.

Zurich, second day evening.

We received calls this morning from Professor Lange* and
others of our Christian friends ; after which we went, all four
together, guided by our young friend Barbara Usteri, to call
on Louisa Lavater, the single daughter of the honoured writer
and preacher of that name. After a life devoted to the service
of his Redeemer, he was shot in 1801 by one of Massena's
soldiers at Zurich, and died after a year of suffering. Gessner,
his son-in-law, was Antistes of the clergy here for many years,
and died in great peace, at a very advanced age, only last
week. Louisa Lavater is a refined and interesting woman,
but very infirm. She received our visit and Gospel message
with joy. We then went to her elder sister, the widow of

JET. 56.

BASLE.

331

Gessner, whom wc found content and even rejoicing in the
Lord, in her bereavement, in the belief of her husband's
happiness. We afterwards called on Gessner's daughter, the
wife of our friend Usteri, and the mother of four pleasing
daughters and three sons. She greatly feels her father's
death, and was much affected by the words of ministry which
we addressed to her. The evening has been very pleasantly
spent at the country-house, by the lake, of our friends, the
Eschers. There we met two country pastors, evangelical men,
and some pious ladies, friends of the Countess Pelet. We
enjoyed the beauty of the place and the company of our
friends, and the evening concluded with the reading of
1 John ii, followed by silence and ministry. Thus ends a
comfortable day. Lovely looked the lake, and bright the
clean white dwellings of the people, under the moonlight, on
our return home.

Basle, 8th mo., 11th.

Yesterday we set off for this place ; and after a hot, but not
unpleasant journey, arrived here by moonlight at ten o'clock.
The country not very interesting, except that much of the
road runs within sight of the noble sweeping Ehine. About
twelve miles short of Basle wc stopt at Beugen, where we
visited the institution for the boarding and education of
destitute children, twenty-five girls and forty-five boys ; and
of young schoolmasters, from twenty to twenty-five in
number, under the care of the Pasteur Zeller, who, with his
simple/ pious wife, has governed this institution twenty-three
years. It has been supported by voluntary contributions.
We had a pleasant conversation with Zeller, who is a zealous
interesting person, somewhat aged and weakened in body and
memory, but full of love ; then two satisfactory opportunities
with the young masters, and with the children. The
Christian order of the institution is striking, and many are
the instances of the good effects produced among those who
have left the school. Surely the blessing of the Lord rests
on this Christian undertaking.

8th mo., 12th. Yesterday morning Josiah Forster and I
called on Hoffman, at the mission-house ; a person eminent

»

382

BASLE.

1843.

both for talent and piety, who is also a professor or director
at the university here ; and on Spittler, secretary of the Bible
Society, who is a very pleasing devoted person. In the
evening we repaired to the mission-house, where about
forty met us. With them we held a quiet solemn meeting,
in which I spoke for about an hour, on the nature and
operation of the New Covenant. Prayer also was offered
in the early part of it. I trust the exercise of the meet-
ing was not in vain, yet I felt low and discouraged
afterwards. This morning I have been with Josiah Forster,
Spittler, and Dr. Pinkerton, (who, with his daughter Milli-
cent, is here much to our comfort,) to Chrishona, once a
Roman Catholic church, on the summit of a wooded hill,
about two leagues hence, on the borders of the Black Forest.
After having been in ruins for a long period, it was placed by
the local government here in the hands of our friend Spittler,
who, in a small adjoining house, has nine young men under
the care of Schlater, a pious pastor. They work for their
living, and travel as colporteuj's, being carefully educated by
the pastor, who has mixed congregations on the Sabbath, of
Lutherans, Reformes, and Roman Catholics. It is a little
light set on a hill ; yet the want of any female helper or
care-taker is a great defect. We found a poor wandering
Armenian there, whom Spittler has taken in, and is educating.
Dr. Pinkerton addressed him beautifully in flowing Russ ;
and we had a good religious opportunity with these Protestant
young men and their preceptor. This Government comprises
at present only the town, with 22,000 inhabitants, and three
villages ; the whole country district, containing seventy villages,
having broken off into independence by a revolution, which
cost 200 lives and a battle in the neighbouring woods, some years
ago. This was a Radical movement, and the new Government at
once dismissed the evangelical pastors, thirty in number ; but
as they left the parishes at liberty to dismiss the new ones,
and choose others, after a certain time Christian men have
again been gradually introduced. Thus the Lord works out
his own gracious purposes, notwithstanding all the rage, and
folly, and perverseness of men. May it be so more and more !

4

ET. 5G.

BASLE.

388

Second day morning. We have great cause for thankful-
ness in the prospect, this morning, of leaving Basle for Stras-
burg, and in the retrospect of the labours of yesterday.
These were considerable in amount, as it regards myself. At
five o'clock, accompanied by one of the young missionaries,
who speaks English, Josiah Forster and I went to the prison ;
Dr. Pinkerton and another gentleman followed. It was a
touching visit, seventy or eighty men and boys ; good order \
but chains about the necks of many. I read part of Luke xv,
in German, and addressed them at some length. Josiah
Forster also spoke, and there was great attention and some
feeling. We sat with the women separately. Dr. Pinker-
ton addressed them well ; and abundant was their weeping.
At six o'clock to the Mission House, where we found a very
respectable assembly, much larger than before. Sweet and
solemn was our meeting. I spoke in French for about an
hour, on baptism into the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. I trust the subject was clearly
unfolded ; and a spiritual view of the baptism here spoken of
seemed to be well received. The main scope of my address,
however, was the virtue and excellence of the whole truth,
the folly of attempting to sever its essential parts, and the
importance of holding them in just and even balances.
Practical exhortation followed, and earnest prayer for Basle,
for Switzerland, and for the world. Afterwards we partook
of the truly simple supper of this large family ; W. Hoffman
and his wife, a few of their friends, and thirty-eight young
missionaries ; eleven more expected. After supper I addressed
the young men, under Holfman's interpretation ; exhorting
them to faithfulness, diligence, watchfulness, devotion : remind-
ing them also that nothing but the true unction can rightly
direct into, and qualify for, the Lord's work on the earth.
Josiah Forster addressed them in German, and this truly
interesting occasion ended with solemn prayer. The young
men were delighted to receive my sister Fry's Text Book
before we separated. There is much of genuine seriousness
and great simplicity apparent in these young Christians.
They mostly come from Wurtemburg; and it is my belief

384

STRASBUUG.

1843.

that they are and will be blessed in their work, and will be
found as a dew from the Lord among many nations. Western
Africa, (the Danish Gold Coast,) and parts of Hindostan, are
the principal sphere of the missions of this institution.
Hoffman is a first-rate man, learned, talented, and pious.
He is professor of theology at the little university here.
Josiah Forster has been visiting a good orphan asylum this
morning. It is surprising how many Christian institutions
are maintained in this country. A simple desire to spend
and be spent for Christ, and for the advancement of his
kingdom, seems to animate many. I have desired to take
a lesson out of such a book, and to be more divested of self-
indulgence. I find that the Essays in German, translated
by the late Professor Blumhardt, have been pretty largely
circulated. There is still, however, a stock in hand, and our
friend Hoffman has undertaken to make some arrangement
for their further distribution.

Carlsrnhe, 8th mo., 16th.
I trust we are rightly here on our way to Stutgard, though
it has been somewhat painful to me to leave the Rhine this
afternoon, which would so easily have borne us so far and so
rapidly homewards. Left it, however, we have, for a week's
detour, in the belief that a visit to Stutgard forms part of our
duty; though we are more than usually ignorant what service
may await us there, or whether any. We have endeavoured, not
without fervent prayer, to commit our way to the Lord, so that
we may humbly confide that He is still condescending to guide
us. We may reverently acknowledge that He has remarkably
opened our way since I last wrote. We left Basle about noon,
on second day, the 14th, and took the railroad at "St." Louis.
Our journey was quiet and easy, though the weather was very
hot ; and'we arrived at the handsome old city of Strasburg, con-
taining 70,000 inhabitants, about five o'clock. The tall, taper,
and elegant Cathedral was seen towering aloft, long before we
reached the city. Late in the evening we received kind calls
from the Pasteur Haerter, and Professor Cuvicr, of the
Academic. They are both pious men of an excellent liberal
spirit. Cuvier is a friend of William Allen's, and a relation

JET. 50.

STRASBURG.

385

of the late celebrated naturalist ; and we felt much united to
him in spirit. Haerter proposed to make over to us a meeting
of the Evangelical Society to be held the next evening, and to
give notice of the same in a missionary meeting to be held in
the morning. We consented to this kind proposition, at the
same time explaining to him our views of worship and method
of proceeding. Josiah Forster and I drove out to Neuhoff,
an establishment for the instruction and education, (the French
make a vital distinction between the two things — the giving
of knowledge and the training of character) — of orphans and
other destitute children, about Go, under the care of Becker,
who was absent ; but we were kindly received by two young
men, and were well pleased with the cleanliness, civility, and
cleverness of the children. They are well clad, well fed, well
taught, and, we trust, well educated ; and when old enough,
placed out in trades, which they learn at the school. The
pleasant opportunity we had with them, after dinner, reminded
me of olden times at Ackworth.

Afternoon, called on Sir George Shee, our minister at
Stutgard, then in the hotel ; who gave me a kind reception,
and an excellent account of the religious freedom, the well
balanced monarchy, well-working constitution, good govern-
ment, and generally happy condition of the kingdom of
Wurtemburg. Yet it is small, (1,700,000 inhabitants,) with-
out rivers, without much commerce, and the land poor.

In the evening Pasteur Haerter conducted us to the
Oratoire, which was well filled with an excellent congre-
gation, who, I found, expected an account of the West
Indies. This corresponded with my original feeling, and I
had no difficulty in complying with the wish; but after
speaking on this subject about twenty minutes, I found my
heart and soul turned to mare serious subjects, and had to
dwell largely on the character and offices of the Great Liberator
of the human race — "The Lord our Righteousness." I had
to unfold the wondrous significance of this name. His divine
as well as human character. His righteousness imputed to
us through faith, and in virtue of his obedience unto death,

Vol. II. — 25

386

STUTGARD.

1843.

even the death of the cross ; and imparted to us by his living
power, by the gift and influence of His Holy Spirit. Almost
as soon as I sat down, my dear wife spoke to my great com-
fort, showing that there is no standing still in religion, and
pressing the necessity of consistency, devotion, advancement.
Josiah Forster added some sentences of lively exhortation, and
I was enabled to conclude the meeting in fervent prayer, in
which France was not forgotten. Thus was the way opened
without even a day's delay, for very relieving service at Stras-
burg : in fact, I suppose for concluding (for the present year
at least) our service in France.

Strasburg is a fortified town, with an arsenal which is said
to contain arms for 300,000 men. No sooner do we enter
upon the German states, than we find soldiers, who, in case
of a conflict, would doubtless be ranged with the forces of the
larger powers on either side. Dreadful would the conflict be,
should it ever come.

Stutgard, 8th mo., 19th.

Yesterday morning Josiah Forster and I, under an almost
burning sun, threaded the streets of this agreeable little me-
tropolis, (40,000 inhabitants,) and made calls on the sister and
brother's wife of our dear friend Dr. Steinkopff, and on Stoffakcr,
an agreeable pastor, talking only German. Heering, the " Christ-
liche Kauffman," to whom we were strongly recommended, is
absent. In the afternoon we drove (an hour and a half) to
Kornthal, the valley of corn ; a well-cultivated district, partly
redeemed from the waste and from the forest ; inhabited by a
colony of 800 people, under the surveillance of Hoffman, the
father of our friend at Basle, and the father, truly, of the colony.
All the children call him "Grosspapa." This colony was esta-
blished twenty-four years ago, by permission of the present King,
to avoid their emigrating. This they were about to do because
they could not conscientiously submit to a heterodox liturgy which
had been introduced. This liturgy has again been reformed ; but
these Christian people adhere to their Kornthal, and prosper
in it. They appeared to us contented, industrious, and happy;
temperate in their habits, and for the most part religious.

The children of the colony are well educated, and there is a

jbt. 56.

LUDWIGSBURG.

387

large seminary in the place for 120 girls, from various parts ;
a well-regulated Christian boarding-school ; also a refuge for
destitute little children. An excellent spirit pervades, and has
long pervaded, this Christian community. The now aged
Hoffman, and his simple-hearted wife, gave us a cordial recep-
tion ; regaled us with milk, and bread and butter ; and sum-
moned the people to an evening meeting in the chapel.
Including the boys and girls, there were a few hundreds
present ; many labouring men, notwithstanding the harvest.
After successive failures on the part of two men ; one of the
girls (from India) interpreted for me, while I unfolded the
precious doctrines contained in the first few verses of Psa. ciii.
Josiah Forster addressed them well in German, and prayer
(still interpreted by the girl, who was really helped for her
service) concluded the meeting. But 0 the obstructions of
a foreign tongue !

This morning, after a pleasant call from Hoffaker and other
Christian friends, we drove to Ludwigsburg, about three
leagues, a pretty clean town, where the king has a second
palace, and where there is a vast prison containing 900 male
criminals. These are confined for terms not exceeding six
years. There is now a separate prison elsewhere for women,
and another for longer terms of imprisonment and for life ;
the latter seems to be a common sentence, and one which, from
its hopelessness, cannot fail to lead to a deterioration of cha-
racter. Capital punishment is still executed for murder : one
or two cases in the year. The whole number of prisoners in
the state, 1700 ; one for each 1000. I suppose this to be
about the usual proportion. In this county, which has no
outlets, no colonies, the only possible stowage of criminals is
in prisons ; of which more are building ; for crime seems to in-
crease. The number of recommitments at Ludwigsburg is very
great. Klctt, the truly Christian director, tells us that
they have been almost all recommitted, from this or other
prisons, and some four times. Yet we were pleased with the
order, cleanliness, and Christian care to be found at Ludwigs-
burg. We had several rather comforting religious opportuni-
ties in the different wards ; Josiah Forster well and kindly

388

STUTGARD.

1843.

interpreting for us. The prisoners were very attentive, and
some of them showed unaffected sorrow. Instances of reform-
ation occasionally take place. Our sister Fry's visit to this
prison is gratefully remembered.

8th mo., 22nd. The time hitherto spent here has
been interesting, and we humbly hope not in vain. First
day was a good Sabbath, though feelings of poverty and weak-
ness mentally, and some bodily indisposition, were not wanting.
My mind was a good deal occupied during the day by the
subject of Christ dwelling in his people. In the evening we
repaired to the place appointed for our meeting, the house of
a respectable citizen, where three contiguous rooms were
pretty well filled, and we were favoured with a solemn, good
meeting. I had several texts before me in reference to that
vital subject, which seemed to arise in the meeting with power,
and which I believed it right to quote in German, with a few
remarks, that the foundation of the subject might be clearly
laid. Who is He who thus dwells in us, who are they in whom
He dwells, how does He dwell in them, and what is the effect ?
I was afterwards very fairly interpreted for by a kind elderly
Christian friend who had formerly been a missionary in
Africa. Josiah Forster further explained our views and prin-
ciples, I thought, with much life and propriety. The silence
which prevailed in the meeting was great ; and love seemed
to flow.

Yesterday morning, although no news had arrived of the
king's approach, and the meeting was well over, there was to
be felt flatness and lowness in the prospect of cpuitting Stutgard.
After breakfast a friend called with a message from a pious
lady, (Reilen,) begging us to hold another meeting at her
house in the evening, to which we thought it right to assent.
She afterwards called herself ; she is one of the thirsters and
seekers, longing for the true settlement. We had some minis-
try for her in private, as well as for our pious interpreter, who-
told us much of the dying hours of his late wife, who
appears to have enjoyed, on her departure, an almost cloudless
view of glory. In the afternoon, one of the servants of the
palace called to inform us that the king was arrived. Josiah

JR'T. 56.

INTERVIEW WITH THE KING.

389

Forster and I thereupon went to our minister's, and were
attended to the palace by his kind attache. We laid our wishes
before one of the aides-de-camp, and have, with Koster, seen
General Spitzenburg, the other aide-de-camp this morning.
We have now nothing to do but to await the answer quietly.

At half-past seven to our friend Reilen's, where a much
larger assembly was awaiting us than before ; the rooms
crowded. It was indeed a solemn, refreshing meeting. After
a few preparatory sentences, first from Josiah Forster, and
then from me, in German, we settled into comfortable silence.
I afterwards rose, with the conversation between our Saviour
and Martha before me ; and, under the same interpretation as
before, unfolded at some length those views of the life-giving
influence of the Spirit of Christ, which have always been held
by Friends. There was, I trust, much of true waiting upon
the Lord in this meeting.

jji ijs 5|C »jc

This afternoon our friend Koster called to inform us that
we were to visit the King and Queen at the country palace of
Rosenstein at six o'clock ; a remarkable opening after all our
delays and doubts. Afterwards Josiah Forster and I called
on Archdeacon Knapp, an enlightened and pious clergyman.

A pleasant drive through the beautiful pleasure-grounds
brought us to the palace of Rosenstein, at six o'clock ; and we
were soon introduced into the drawing-room, where a glittering
company of courtiers rather puzzled us, for we knew not which
was the King. At last we were ushered into a balcony over-
looking the garden, river, &c, where we soon found that we
were with the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince, the two
unmarried Princesses, &c. We spoke to them in French and
English, on the slave trade, the abolition of slavery
in our colonies, and prison discipline ; Ludwigsburg ; the
cellular system ; the Eastern Penitentiary at Philadelphia ;
■and above all, the importance of promoting Christian instruction
at the University of Tubingen and in the schools. The King
spoke of the late change for the better in Tubingen, by the
introduction of orthodox professors, and seemed much interested
in the subject. My dear wife then proposed to the Queen

890

BRUSSELS.

1843.

our sitting down in silence with the family, which was imme-
diately assented to. I was led to address them in French,
explaining the object of our journey, and our lively interest
in their family, as well as in the people over whom the King
reigned ; dwelling on Christianity as the only true means of
making man happy, and expressing our desire that divine grace,
even the good Spirit of the Lord, might be bestowed upon
them all, to qualify them for the fulfilment of their great
responsibilities, and to prepare them for a blessed eternity.
My dear wife afterwards knelt down in fervent supplication.
At the conclusion the King rose, and shook hands warmly
with us, expressing his thanks for the visit. We also exchanged
kind greetings with the Queen and her son and daughters. I
left my book on the West Indies with the King, and the Essay
on Love to God with the Queen. Thus ended our long-felt
concern towards this royal family ; the interview was short,
but we humbly trust that the impression left is a good one, and
that lie who led into the service will bless it.

Having arrived at Brussels, Joseph John Gurney
writes : —

First day afternoon, 8th mo., 27th. In the course of seventh
day, we made, or renewed, several agreeable acquaintances.
Amongst them, Panchaud, a pious French Independent minis-
ter, who has raised a little congregation, chiefly from the Roman
Catholics ; and Tiddy, the agreeable and active agent of the
British and Foreign Bible Society, whose colporteurs are doing
great things in this dark, dark land. This Scriptural distribu-
tion has given rise to an extraordinary awakening among many,
including even several priests ; and the consequence, or at least
the accompaniment, has been the establishment of several
evangelical missionary stations, and several hopeful schools.
The work, by all accounts, continues to make favourable pro-
gress ; and it is greatly facilitated by the entire religious
freedom which is enjoyed, by virtue of the charter granted on
the accession of the present King.

In the mean time, Popery is active, domineering and showy,

.2BT. 56.

BRUSSELS.

391

iii a very high degree. A grand procession, in honour of their
idol "Mary," took place lately. The "Queen of Heaven"
was crowned by the Archbishop ; the Queen of the Belgians
gave a jewel of value for the crown ; and the semi-Protestant
King; added the sanction of his attendance. All this is sad
and weak ; but will probably defeat its own ends. In the
evening we received a visit from my old friend, Grimshaw,
(the author of the life of Legh Richmond,) and his daughters;
also from the Baron du Bois de Ferrieres, a superior person
every way; once a Roman Catholic, now a zealous Protestant,
and President of the Evangelical Society here. He married
an English lady, whose two female cousins live with her, and
are eminent here for untiring good doing. Our evening was
very pleasant ; and Brussels turns out, so far, a bright point
at the conclusion of our mission. That the mission might
end well was my earnest prayer, vocally expressed this morning
in our quiet little meeting. A meeting is appointed to be held
this evening, in the sails below. I feel the weight of the
engagement, and write these lines under that peculiar sense
of lownesss which generally precedes such occasions. May the
Lord graciously condescend to be with us, with his own holy
and blessed anointing ! We look hopefully, and even joyfully,
forward, to an early flight homeward to-morrow morning.

Calais, 8th mo., 29th.

The lowness and flatness which I felt last First day afternoon
at Brussels, proved to be the preparation for a favoured meeting.
In the evening, at half-past seven, or nearly eight o'clock, the
large salle of the hotel became completely filled with a very
respectable company ; among others, Panchaud and his wife,
'Boucher, Grimshaw, Count Arrivabene, &c. After a time of
silence, and a few introductory sentences from Josiah Forster,
I preached the gospel, I trust, in its fulness, from Isaiah lxi,
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me," &c. — adverting to the
anointing of Christ after his baptism in Jordan ; his divine
and pi-ophetical character, and his gracious oflices as unfolded
in this passage ; the binding up of the broken heart ;
the liberation of the captives, &c. I dwelt particularly on

392

CALAIS.

1843

liberation from the yoke of ceremonies ; from the condemna-
tion of the law ; from the power and influence of sin ; then
the consolation which is not to he anticipated before a thorough
cleansing, but which follows it ; beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, &c. I spoke in French for the last time,
I trust for the present, and the gift of clearness and fluency
was graciously bestowed. Prayer also flowed, to my own
comfort, towards the close of the meeting, which Josiah
Forster ended with a Christian farewell.

The feeling of relief after this meeting was great, and the
next morning, yesterday, I felt quite at ease ; happy and
peaceful ; ready to go home — an experience which was, I
believe, shared by all our little party.

Here, in quietness and seclusion from the world, we can
rest for a few hours; take a calm and thoughtful retrospect of
the deeply interesting journey which is now brought so near
to its close ; and hopefully commit ourselves for the future, to
that gracious and holy Being, who has hitherto helped us, and
who will, as we humbly trust, help us to the end.

JET. 56.

KETURN HOME.

393

CHAPTER XLII.

1843—44. jet. 56.

total abstinence meeting at norwich; marriage op his
daughter; publication of his last work, thoughts on
habit and discipline ; journey in france j boulogne;
rouen ; paris ; orleans ; tours ; mettray ; saumur ; nantes ;
la rochelle ; bordeaux ; st. foy ; nerac ; pau.

Once more settled at Earlham, Joseph John
Gurney writes : —

9th mo., 5th. Great peace, and even joy, are our portion on
returning to our beloved home ; and I cannot describe the
quiet happiness which has been permitted us this morning, as
we have roamed about the pleasure-grounds. Bless the Lord,
0 my soul ! may, indeed, be the language of each heart
amongst us ! How can we forget his benefits, which are
renewed every morning ? Health of body and peace of mind
are the precious gifts now graciously bestowed, and bestowed
on those who deserve them not ; at least, I am sure that this
is the case with myself.

9th mo., 9th. On fifth day evening, my dear wife and I
attended the Great " Teetotal" Meeting, held at Norwich, on
the arrival of "Father" Matthew; and, at the bishop's earnest
request, I took the chair, in the declared character of a pledged
teetotaller.* I spoke fully, but carefully, on the subject; and

* Joseph John Gurney signed the total abstinence pledge at
the house of his friend llichard Dykes Alexander, at Ipswich, on
the 8th of the 4th month, 1843.

394

TOTAL ABSTINENCE AND BIBLE MEETINGS.

1843.

the bishop afterwards, extremely well. "Father" Matthew is
a very pleasing, and, as I fully believe, a very upright man ;
winning his way by his kindness and sincerity. I cannot
doubt his being an instrument, in the divine hand, for exten-
sive usefulness.

I look back on my own part in this matter, with calmness
and content ; and for the true freedom of total abstinence, for
the comfortable health and good animal spirits which go along
with it, I am truly and increasingly thankful.

10th mo., 3rd. Last week passed off very satisfactorily.
The Bible Society Meeting, on fourth day, was excellent, after
a very comfortable and uniting breakfast party, at Earlham.
Many pious men assembled there, notwithstanding the
weather. The meeting itself was not large, the weather being
unfavourable ; but much better attended by the clergy than
that of last year. I felt helped in speaking on the state of
the continent ; dividing the population, not utterly careless
of such things, into three great classes ; those who take away
from Scripture ; those who add to it ; and those who desire to
adhere to its contents, without either diminution or addition.*
There was much of love and harmony prevailing. In the
evening we had a comfortable meeting of ministers and elders,
R. and P. Alsop being with us, and returning with us to Earl-
ham, which they have since pleasantly made their home during
the progress of their family visit to our meeting. The Quarterly
Meeting was well attended, and very satisfactory ; Robert Alsop
was well engaged in the meeting for worship ; and his wife in
prayer. Afterwards, at a joint conference, my dear wife and
I made a report of our continental journey, retaining our
certificate. There was a good feeling over us all. At the
close of a quiet meeting for business, I was bowed before
our gracious Lord, in vocal prayer.

10th mo., 9th. * * * On sixth day we had about fifty of
our Norwich Friends here, with the Alsops. It was a scene
of quiet, but heartfelt enjoyment. We were favoured with a

* Joseph John Gurney's Speech on this occasion was afterwards
published in a separate form.

JET. 56.

MARRIAGE OF HIS DAUGHTER.

395

very refreshing religious opportunity round the table in the
dining-room, before the company broke up. Yesterday even-
ing, also, we had a party of those who had been left out ;
and we felt peace and pleasure in entertaining some humble
Christians.

The .approaching marriage of his beloved daughter
was an event to which he now looked forward with
deep interest.

10th mo., lGth. [After one of his frequent affectionate
allusions to his wife.] — My other nearest earthly dependencies
appear much in the way of being dislocated. Such a term
seems to apply to dearest Anna's approaching removal to a
distance, although under such happy and desirable circum-
stances ; and my sister Fry's prolonged and deep illness is to
me a truly affecting dispensation. She calls for our tenderest
sympathy. Yet can we rejoice in the support and quietness
of soul so graciously bestowed upon her.

10th mo., 25th. After our comfortable family reading this
morning, I expressed my desire that, in the view of the ap-
proaching event so deeply interesting to us all, we might be
enabled to dwell near to the Fountain of light and life ; and
to move and live under the influence of that grace which can
alone qualify for every duty, sanctify all the pleasures of life,
and enable us rightly to bear its pains. We are favoured
with the feeling of much quietness in the prospect ; somewhat
of a satisfying sense, that all is right. * * *

Dear Anna's school children have just been crowding the
hall to receive new bonnets, on the occasion of her marriage.
Her labours of love for their benefit have been great and
persevering ; and I think it evident, from their demeanour,
that she has not laboured in vain. Truly she will carry the
blessing of many along with her.

On the 8th of the 11th mo., his daughter was
married to John Church Backhouse, of Blackwell,
near Darlington.

306

MARRIAGE OF HIS DAUGHTER.

1843.

He afterwards writes : —

11th mo., 15th. Surely we cannot review the past week
without a feeling of reverent gratitude, adoration, and praise ;
for the God of all grace has dealt mercifully with us.

The marriage took place on fourth day the 8th; the meeting
house in Goat lane thronged. After our large company was
seated, a good silence spread over us, and supplication fell to
my lot under feelings of great solemnity ; after which the
pair spoke well ; dear H. C. Backhouse prayed for a blessing
on their covenant ; then William Forster, who has been our
sympathizing and able helper throughout, was excellently
engaged on the fear of God. We returned home in peace,
and sat down to the marriage-feast, about fifty-five in number.
Before leaving the table, we were favoured with a memorable
opportunity. It was, indeed, a most happy day ; but I shed
some tears of heartfelt grief, when I had fairly lost my child.

11th mo., 20th. Should the way open for my retiring
entirely from the cares of business, I should be truly
thankful. The prospect of such a possibility brings great
tranquillity over me. I do wish with all simplicity to devote
myself to the service of my Lord ; and to quiet, heart-search-
ing preparation for an awful and unseen, yet I humbly trust,
happy futurity. "Gather up thy wares out of the land, 0 thou
inhabitant of the fortress!" We have truly gratifying
and satisfying accounts of our darling married child. This is
another call for humble gratitude.

12th mo., Qth. On third day morning, in last week, my
dearest wife and I set off for Upton. We continued there
until the following second day morning ; and a highly interest-
ing time we had. Our principal object was to visit our
dearest sister Fry. With her we had many precious inter-
views, and low as she has been brought, and sometimes closely
tried, we were cheered with a pretty firm hope of her partial
recovery.

On sixth day I was much interested in attending the
"Meeting for Sufferings;" at the close of which I was en-
gaged in fervent prayer for William Allen; whose life is. to all

JET. 56.

JOURNAL AND LETTERS.

397

appearance, gradually, but rather rapidly, drawing to its close.
First day was one of uncommon exercise to the relief of our
minds. A solemn meeting at Plaistow in the morning.
In the afternoon, to Tottenham meeting, which was sweet
and solemn. My exercise of mind, that all might truly come
by the door into the sheepfold, was responded to by Maria
Fox in a truly touching prayer. After calling on Ann
Hodgkin, for whom we felt much in the absence of her de-
voted husband, we took tea with Josiah and Rachel Forster,
to our mutual pleasure and comfort. Then to the Barclay's,
where we met a large family circle of young people, to whom
I was led to unfold the great principles which we profess as a
Society, with some degree, I trust, of clearness and life ; we
returned late to Upton in peace, and home on second day.

to

Earlham, 12th mo., 8th, 1S43.

I send thee by Post a little tract on Baptism, written by
William Dell; an old Cambridge divine, who lived shortly
before the rise of Friends. I have just received a few copies,
and have been so much interested in the perusal of one of them,
that I thought I might, in the freedom of friendship, send it
to thee, marked as it is by ray own pencil. It was the means
of clearing the views of a clergyman near Holt, in Norfolk,
and the consequence was that he gave up his preferment, and
retired from the Church of England. The contents are, I
think, well worthy of quiet and deep consideration.

Whilst on a short visit to his daughter, at Black-
well, near Darlington, he writes: —

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

Blackwell, 1st mo., 5th, 1844.

I think thou wilt be enabled to rejoice with us in the peace
and happiness we are now enjoying under our dear son and
daughter's roof. Their settlement is most comfortable and

398

JOURNAL.

1844.

satisfactory, and this is a lovely spot indeed. The views from
the terrace of the Tees in its peaceful meanderings are quite
charming, and the house is very pleasant and convenient. It
is a favoured allotment for our dearest Anna ; and we find it
a delightful retreat and resting-place.

To return to the Journal : —

On second day, (1st mo., 22nd,) I concluded (against
the apparent laws both of prudence and comfort,) to go,
without my dearest wife, to London, in order to attend the
funeral of our late lamented friend Maria Fox, of Tottenham.
This act of faith and obedience was rewarded as well as justified
by the events of the week. It was indeed a memorable time ;
the funeral large, and peculiarly weighty and solemn. I found
a decidedly open door for service in ministry at meeting, on the
" day of mourning for Jerusalem ;" also in prayer near the
grave ; sweet visit to J. and A. Hodgkin, and a large company,
and truly solemn occasion, at S. Fox's in the evening. * * *

[Returned home] on seventh day after a very sweet, and to
me consoling, interview with my dearest sister Fry.

2nd mo., 19th. Yesterday, in the afternoon meeting,
Frances Page spoke sweetly on the New Jerusalem. The
same passages had been previously on my own mind, and I
added a few sentences. If the inquiry be raised in any mind,
where that better country, and that city which hath foun-
dations are, it is enough for the Christian to know that they

are where Christ is, and lives, and reigns in glory. The

family here to tea and supper ; I was peacefully reminded of
the words, " They cannot recompense thee, but thou shalt be
recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

My mind has been somewhat anxious on the question —
whether I ought to subscribe to the Anti-Corn Law League ;
and I do desire to be brought to the right conclusion. The
principles of free trade are certainly good Christian principles ;
and if they are promoted on Christian grounds, and in a right
manner, it seems to be a branch of politics in which it may

JET. 56. THOUGHTS ON HABIT AND DISCIPLINE.

399

be not only lawful, but right, to take a reasonable share.
Yet evil must not be clone that good may come; and, at
present, I doubt the working of the machine.

2nd mo., 26th. Another week has flown away, and finds us
in possession of many rich blessings. After some indisposi-
tion, I am better again ; the accounts of our dearest sister
have been considerably alleviated ; and now we are cheered
and comforted by the presence amongst us, once more, of our
darling child and her husband, from Blackwell, who arrived
safe and well on seventh day ; and great is our happiness in
being together. Our Sabbath yesterday has left a peaceful
and salutary impression. I was much engaged in the morn-
ing meeting, in ministering on the words — " Be thou faithful
unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Fidelity
in rightly filling up our measure and sphere of influence, in
the right direction, fully and perseveringly ; to be effected only
by thorough submission to the operation of divine power.

In the spring of this year, was published the last,
but not the least useful, of Joseph John Gurney's
more extended writings — Thoughts on Habit and
Discipline. The subject had been long before his
mind. For many years his life had been a con-
tinued endeavour after the subjection of his own
mind and heart to the highest moral and religious
discipline ; and if, especially on such a subject,
example and experience must ever give weight to
precept, the reader who now turns to this little
volume, will not peruse it with the less interest or
instruction, as he marks the course through which
Joseph John Gurney became, by grace, what he was.
To write a useful, rather than a profound or learned
Avork, was his principal aim.

"Amidst many more serious avocations," to use his own
words in the preface, " the composition of the present work
has been the pleasant occupation of occasional leisure hours.

400 THOUGHTS ON HABIT AND DISCIPLINE. 1S44.

Little as it is laboured, and capable as it is of much improve-
ment, I am induced to publish it, in the hope that it may be
of some use to the lately risen, and now rising generation.

" It consists of three divisions. The first contains general
remarks on the nature and operation of Habit and Discipline.
It is the philosophy of the subject, though in a low sense of
the term, and in a very familiar guise. The second relates to
bad habit, that grand instrument in the hand of Satan, for
enslaving, enchaining, and finally destroying mankind. The
TniRD to good habit, which is the appointed means, under
the natural and moral government of God, and in connection
with a providential scheme of discipline, for our improvement
in ability, knowledge, wisdom, and virtue.

" Good habit is considered in its application, first, to the
movements and uses of the body ; secondly, to art, that useful
result of the joint exercise of body and mind ; thirdly, to
intellectual capacities and pursuits ; fourthly, to morals ;
and fifthly, to religion.

" Heartily do I desire that those who are now in the early
vigour of their bodily and mental powers, may become subject
in all things, to the salutary power of good habit. Under the
influence of the Holy Spirit, which can alone change and
sanctify the heart of man, they will find in the friendly sway
of this 'magistrate of man's life,' this genial nurse and mis-
tress of our faculties, a preparation for all that is useful and
honourable in time, and for all that is pure and joyous in
eternity."

The work has been frequently reprinted and
widely circulated, and has been introduced, as it
deserves, into several important educational estab-
lishments. May its circulation and perusal be blessed
more and more !

Being now desirous of completing his labours on
the Continent, Joseph John Gurney, in the third
month of this year, again left England, in company
with his wife and their valued friend, Josiah Forster.

*T. 56.

FURTHER LABOURS IN FRANCE.

401

Their journey southward extended as far as Bordeaux,
Toulouse, and Pau. They returned to England in the
fifth month to attend the Yearly Meeting, and after-
wards concluded their engagement by a visit to the
Channel Islands. The particulars of this journey
are detailed in a series of letters to his daughter,
from which the following extracts are taken : —

Abbeville, 5th day evening, 3rd mo., 21st, 1S44.

My Dearest Anna,

Blustering was the wind, and snow-capped the
waves, when we got on hoard the " Ramsgate" steamer, at Folk-
stone, yesterday morning, for our voyage to Boulogne ; and
finely tossed were we on the passage. The sea was what the
sailors call lumpy, the waves being at times prodigious, and
our boat seemed to labour very hard to get along.

After four hours and nearly a half, we all felt it a favour, as
well as a relief, to make the quiet harbour of Boulogne in
safety. In the evening we met forty or fifty pious people in
the Wesleyan chapel ; and the deep stillness of the meeting
afforded a salutary and agreeable contrast to the bellow-
ing and dashing of the ocean, which had half overpowered
us in the morning. Josiah Forster said a few words to ex-
plain our views ; and, after a period of profound quietness, I
was enabled to preach from Col. i. — " Giving thanks unto the
Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the in-
heritance of the saints in light," &c. The view arose vividly
before me of the nature and character of that inheritance, and
of that radical change of heart, and sanctifying work of the
Spirit, in which alone our meetness for it can consist. The
meeting ended in much solemnity, after vocal prayer. Lyon,
the pious, agreeable Minister, afterwards told me, that he was
engaged in a course of lectures on this same Epistle, and that
he had intended on that evening to address the people on
the very text which I had preached from — having come just
so far in the Epistle. He seemed delighted at the coincidence,
which I thought was best explained by our good- old view of

Vol. II. — 26

102

ROUEN.

1844.

the guidance of the Spirit. He breakfasted with us this morn-
ing, and we parted from him in the feeling of Christian love.

We are all well and comfortable to-day. We left Boulogne
about ten o'clock; enjoyed our journey; read the Bible,
French Testament, Thomas Shillitoe's Journal, and Life of
Adam Clark ; and distributed many tracts en passant. * *

Rouen, First day, 3rd mo., 24th.

We arrived here in time for a late evening dinner, and spent
most of yesterday in making the needful arrangements for our
meeting to-day. In the afternoon, Josiah Forster and I drove
about two miles to le petit Quevilhj, where a gentleman and
lady named Lecointe have opened, on their own beautifully
situated and wooded estate, a refuge for young criminals, of
whom t\\ey have now twenty- four under their care, who are sent
to them, instead of to the prison of the department, by order
of the government. I believe Lecointe purchased the estate
lately, (about 50 acres,) for the purpose. He is philanthrophe
pliilosoplie (they say) rather than Chretien, but seems very
amiable, and much devoted to his object. There is no barring
and bolting here. The gates are open and the boys can escape
if they choose ; but they continue faithfully there for their
appointed time on parole, and seem happily engaged in gar-
dening, cutting down wood, carpentering, and other healthy
employments. A good school is kept for them every after-
noon, where they seem to be well taught. They looked truly
civilized ; read well to us, and listened to our French addresses
during their supper with much propriety. There is a fine old
Norman chapel on the premises, where they meet for worship ;
their religious instruction being under the care of a Roman
Catholic chaplain. On the whole it was to me the most
agreeable institution of the kind I have seen ; yet wanting in
the grand fundamental article of sound Christian influence and
example. The Government pays a considerable part of the
expense, the rest is provided for by a Societe de Patronage.

Paris, 3rd mo., 27th.

I wrote to thee last from Rouen, on first day, after our quiet
little morning meeting. At three o'clock in the afternoon,

m. 56.

ROUEN.

403

Josiah Forster and I repaired to the workshops (connected
with the railroad) of Buddicorab, Allcard, and Co., at Char-
treux, where, in a large room, we held a good open meeting,
with about two hundred of the English workmen, wives, and
children. It was to me a time of close exercise and close
ministry. The habits which these poor fellows very generally
fall into, of drinking French brandy to excess, and of other
dissipation, have done much to deteriorate their moral con-
dition. They listened with much attention, and behaved
quietly.

We returned to our hotel to dinner, and at seven o'clock
went to the Protestant " Temple," which is a fine old
Gothic building, formerly Roman Catholic, and almost like a
cathedral. Josiah Forster and I looked singular enough there,
sitting with our hats on, on two chairs in front of the pulpit,
which would not hold us both. We found ourselves sur-
rounded by a considerable congregation, and truly I deeply
felt the weight and responsibility of our circumstances. Josiah
Forster's introductory sentences were much to the point, and
after some time of silence, I was enabled to address them for
about an hour in French, from the 1st of Hebrews ; the
comparative claims of the law and the gospel ; the divinity of
Him by whom the latter is administered ; and the necessity of
looking to Him alone in the course of Christian experience,
as the one appointed and all-sufficient Mediator. The meeting
closed peacefully after prayer ; and much satisfaction was
expressed by Paumier, the minister, and many others. Thus
our day ended well. The next morning Paumier breakfasted
with us. We felt much indebted to him for his cordial
help, and left a subscription for his Protestant school,
which our donations in 1817 appear to have been the
means of founding, or at least of greatly improving. I
well remember then visiting him with thy uncles Buxton,
Cunningham, and Gurney ; and as far as I could perceive, he
is much unaltered, after a lapse of 27 years.

We left Rouen by the Railroad on second day, with the
impression that there is a true work of grace going forward in
that city and its vicinity.

404

PARIS.

1844.

Here (at Paris) the way for some important service seems
to be opening upon us, and our friends are as kind as ever. I
spent about an hour yesterday with the Pelets ; the two
Countesses full of warmth and love, and the Count kind and
polite as usual. La Baronne de Stael has also called, and is
engaged to come and see thy mother again to-day. We are en-
gaged to meet her at dinner at the Due de Broglie's, on seventh
day, and to dine at the Pelet's on second day next week. John
Scoble and Geo. W. Alexander, from the Anti-Slavery Society,
are in this Hotel. The former has been writing an excellent
brochure on the Rapport de la Commission Roy ale sur
V Esclavage, which is to be translated and published. We
have agreed to hold an Anti-Slavery meeting in the great
salle a manger, on sixth day evening, and are engaged to-day
in arranging our invitations. I wish we may get a full meeting,
and may be enabled to do the great cause some justice.

To-morrow we propose to hold our week-day meeting at
the old place, and a public one in the evening at the Methodist
Chapel. First day is likely to be full of similar engagements.
The weight of these concerns has been felt to be heavy,
especially during the hours of infirmity which so often, fall to
my lot at night ; but there is a feeling through all of much
peace, and we may, I trust, say with Paul, " If God be for us,
who can be against us?"

When we were here last year, the Protestants were much
alarmed by the obvious and close union of the Government
with the Roman Catholic Church. Now the tables are some-
what turned ; for a warm controversy has arisen between the
Bishops and the Government, on the subject of education ;
which is at present under the direction of the University of
Paris, subject to the still higher authority of the government,
through its Minister of Public Instruction. The clergy, under
the pretence of liberty, are wanting to get the whole affair
into their own hands ; and are loudly calling for the abolition
of this authority in the University. In this they are joined
by many pious Protestants, who cling to the principle of entire
freedom of education. The clergy are said to have even

j£T. 06.

THE DUCHESS OF ORLEANS.

405

threatened the Government with excommunication, and it is
difficult to conjecture what will be the issue.

Paris, 4th mo., 4th, 1844.

* * * We had an interview with the Duchess of Orleans,
by appointment, yesterday morning. She received us alone at
the Tuilleries in the kindest and most open manner, and
interested us all very deeply. She is simple, refined,
unaffected, and warm hearted ; of a slender frame, and sweet,
pleasing countenance. She spoke very affectionately of thy
aunt Fry, and after some easy friendly conversation, thy
mother proposed silence, which was immediately complied
with. Soon afterwards, she addressed the Duchess (who
speaks and understands English well) with remarkable force
and clearness ; expressing the deep and tender sympathy which
she had felt for her before leaving England, citing various
passages of Scripture relating to those sudden and terrible
afflictions which are sometimes permitted, and contrasting
them with others depicting the rich and abundant consolations
of the gospel ; declaring her belief, that, should further
troubles assail her, she would be supported and comforted,
quoting the 20th Psalm, " the Lord hear thee in the day of
trouble," &c, and that her prayers for herself and her children
were and would be answered. The scene was truly touching.
I afterwards intimated that I felt led into prayer, on which
the Duchess rose and shut an open door, and then quietly
knelt down beside me, while I poured forth a heartfelt prayer
for herself and the young Princes. Josiah Forster afterwards
exhorted her to faithfulness in the maintenance of her own
Christian principles, and of her covenant with her God. It
was a precious meeting, one not soon to be forgotten. A
very different one, but also memorable, was with Odillon
Barrot, whom Josiah Forster and I visited in his cabinet.
He has lost his only daughter, and his noble countenance
seemed marred with grief. I asked for silence, and ministered
to him in some degree of life I trust. He thanked me
heartily. The Countess Pelet had sent him a letter of

406

PARIS.

1844.

sympathy and religious exhortation, with the New Testament,
that very morning. What a fine thing it would be, were he to
become truly subject to the yoke of Christ !

*****

Our reunions, public and private, have been of an interest-
ing character. First, last fifth day evening, at the Wesleyan
chapel, with a handful of English, solemn and sweet.
Secondly, the same evening, at Pressense's, a- large religious
company, to whom both Josiah Forster and I had shortly to
minister. Thirdly, the anti-slavery meeting in the great
salle a manger of this hotel, last sixth day, about seventy
people, including three Roman Catholic abbes, two Protestant
pastors, &c. It was a highly interesting evening. I spoke
for an hour in French without difficulty, on the grand
Christian principle which lies at the foundation of the subject ;
on the safety of immediate emancipation, in its physical,
moral, and religious effects on the negroes; on the comparative
non-importance of the mere sugar question ; and on the
favourable accounts lately received, even on that subordinate
point. Scoble spoke well in English, on indemnity and other
points, which I had left ; and we did not conclude until near
eleven. Lastly, on third day we had a pretty large number
of young students of the University, from Greece, Moldavia,
Guadaloupe, Martinique, Senegal, &c. They gave severally
lively accounts of their respective countries. The young
Moldavians who came to Paris with their slaves, were
especially interesting ; and were well inoculated with anti-
slavery principles. Their slaves were set free on touching
French ground.

Tours, 4th mo., 10th, 1844.

Nearly a week has elapsed since I despatched my last
Journal, and how am I to record all the events, great and
little, of this interval ? I wish I may not quite fail in the
attempt, for time for writing is an article not at my command.
But to revert to last week, I wrote to thee, on fifth day
morning, just before our concluding little meeting at the

PARIS.

407

Faubourg du Houlc. At five o'clock, Josiah Forstcr and I
repaired to the office of the minister of Foreign Affairs, where
we saw Guizot, and conversed with him some ten or fifteen
minutes. He was very kind to us, and detailed the particu-
lars of the intended measure to be introduced in the present
session, not for but towards the abolition of slavery. It does
not amount to much, but may nevertheless be accepted as a
first step ; it being clearly understood that the Government
regards it only in that light. In the evening of the day now
described, a large company of our serious friends assembled
at our hotel ; the Count Pelet and his mother, the Baron
Malet, Charles Malet and his sister, Cuvier (Lutheran minister)
and his wife, La Baronne de Stael and her brother the Due de
Broglie, Mark Vernet, Pasteurs Vermeil, Frederick Monod, and
Grandpierre, with their wives, the five young missionaries, under
the care of the last, General Menardier, Mark Wilks, and many
others, including the Countess of Roden and her daughter ;
about sixty in all, or somewhat more. It was a happy evening.
After much conversation, we read Eph. iv, " I therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy," &c.
After the reading, I had to address them at some length on
charity and unity, and on some great objects which Christians
can pursue, and ought to pursue together, without distinction
of sect or party ; namely, the abolition of slavery, the distri-
bution of the Holy Scriptures, and the promotion of peace ;
observing also that all would be in vain, without the life and
power of religion. Josiah Forstcr afterwards spoke of the
actual state of Paris, its sins and its hopes. There seemed to
be a flow of love and friendship towards and amongst us, when
•the company separated.

The next morning (sixth day) Ave were quite free in mind
and circumstances for leaving Paris ; and, having taken our seats
in a comfortable carriage, or rather apartment, were rolled off
at a great rate on the railway for Orleans ; passing through a
pleasant, well-cultivated country, partly near the banks of the
Seine, producing more of grass and corn, than of the vine.
We arrived at Orleans, a fine old city of some 40,000 inhabi-

408

ORLEANS ; TOURNUS.

1844.

tants, at four o'clock ; and were met at the station, by our
warm-hearted friend, the Protestant Pasteur Duchemin. At
seven o'clock in the evening we repaired to the Oratoire,
where a good meeting was held with about one hundred
and fifty persons. I trust the unction which can alone
prepare for such service was not withheld. The next morn-
ing Josiah Forster and I breakfasted with Duchemin and his
wife and children, with whom we had a comforting family
sitting. Afterwards, my dear wife met us at the 3Iaison des
Orphelines, where nearly fifty orphan girls are boarded and
educated by the Protestants. Rossolloty, the other pasteur,
his wife and others, were present. We addressed the children,
and distributed little books amongst them ; and lively indeed
was their reception of us and ours. We were reminded of the
girls' school at Nismes.

The following first day was a memorable one. Josiah
Forster and I went with Duchemin, after breakfast, about an
hour's drive into the country, to Tournus, a little village,
finely situated on the banks of the Loire. The day was
delightfully fine, as the weather here has generally been, and
the lovely river looked blue and beautiful. About 100 people,
simple-hearted country folks, chiefly little proprietors, assem-
bled by degrees in the Protestant " Temple," and as it was a
high "Sacrament Sunday," our friend the pasteur took ample
time for the performance of his own service. We sat quietly
near the door until all was over, when Duchemin kindly
introduced us to the people, and lively and relieving, indeed,
was the short Friends' meeting which ensued. I felt peculiar
life in preaching on 11 Je suis le vrai cep, et mon pere est le
vigneron," (John. xv. 1,) and the meeting ended with fervent
prayer. Many of the people seemed really touched, and all
attentive and affectionate. A kind cJiarron (wheelwright) in-
vited us to dinner. We much liked the look of the country-
people ; there seems to be little or no poverty either in town
or country ; and Duchemin thinks that the division of land
among all the children, which is the law of France, works well
in preventing pauperism. No person may leave more than a

,ET. 56. BLOIS. 409

small proportion to the "church," and only a fourth to any
public charity unless he is childless.

In the evening we all three repaired to the Protestant
"Temple," at Orleans, and were soon seated in the face of a
congregation of about 200 ; with full liberty to pursue our own
course. I preached for about an hour on the resurrection
of Christ ; and on Paul's doctrine, that being reconciled
to God "by the death of his Son," much more "being
reconciled, we are saved by his life." He lives to apply his
precious blood to our heart and conscience. He is our
advocate with the Father. He quickens us by his Spirit.
The meeting ended in the feeling of solemnity, and in the
flowing of love and good-will.

On second day, the 8th, a somewhat dull and fatiguing
journey, cheered, however, by the nearly constant view of the
Loire, brought us to Blois, in about six hours. Edward
Wakefield and his wife were waiting for us at the Hotel
D'Angleterre, and very kind they were to us. We walked with
them before dinner to view the castle, which is the scene of
many historic recollections. Here Catherine of Medicis held
her court. Here the Duke of Guise was murdered ; and here
we saw the Oubliettes, the deep places into which the wretched
captives of olden times were thrown, from a height of ninety
feet, on to knives, &c, that they might perish in the midst of
torture. Such contrivances are to be seen elsewhere in the old
castles of France. * * *

Angers, 4th mo., 12th, 1844.

In the evening of second day, the 8th, we all went to
Edward Wakefield's agreeable residence, overlooking the river,
where, in pursuance of our wish, a large company of English
were assembled, many from Norfolk, and some French people.
I read Philippians ii and iii, and the company were afterwards
plainly addressed, both in French and English. It was
a pretty good meeting. Conformity to the world, and
the necessity of the contrary, were subjects much before
us.

Our drive to Tours, the next morning, was of four hours ;

TOURS : METTRAY.

1844,

very pleasant, excellent roads, through a fertile country, half
corn and half vines, and by the side of the Loire, now a grand
favourite. As we approached Tours, we observed many houses,
Petra-like, formed by excavation of the light sandstone rock,
which towers over the river, though at such a distance as to
make room for the road, and some garden grounds. Tours is
a very handsome place, entered by a noble bridge over the
Loire ; which is, at least, as broad as the Thames, at London.
The purity of its waters has been celebrated by De Sevigne.
The cathedral towers over one of its banks. A long handsome
street, the Rue Royale, intersected by others at right angles ;
and beautiful promenades on the side opposite to the river.
After our arrival, yesterday, Josiah Forster and I spent the
evening with a company chiefly English. The pious young
Protestant minister, Morache, met us, and has kindly agreed
to give us the use of his " Temple" for our meeting this even-
ing, and to give notice of it to his friends.

Fourth day, the ninth, was one of lively interest. After
breakfast Josiah Forster and I visited the Protestant schools,
which were satisfactory. Afterwards we all three went in an
open barouche, about four miles to Mettray, the famous
agricultural colony for naughty boys ; criminals who have
escaped conviction, &c. ; vagabonds transferred from La
Requette, the prison for the Jeunes detenus in Paris, and
others.* There we were most kindly received by De Metz and
Brettiniere, the two volunteer Directors, who showed us about
for some hours. The plan is to substitute family arrangement
for prison discipline ; the whole society being divided into

* See an interesting account of the Reformatory Institution at
Mettray, published by Whittaker, 1853 : — " The laws of France,"
says the writer, " permit the acquittal of children accused of crime,
on the ground of their having acted tcithout discernment, (agi sans
discerncment) but they are retained under the guardianship of the
state for a term of years, until they have been educated, trained in
moral habits, and placed in situations in which they may earn their
own livelihood by industrial labor. For the reception of children
of this class M. de Metz devised and founded at Mettray the first
Agricultural Colony.

JRT. 56.

REFORMATORY INSTITUTION.

411

families of about forty each, occupying distinct, but nearly
contiguous houses. Here they are fed, taught, lodged, and
governed by a Pere de familte, no women allowed, except the
Sceurs de Charit'e in the hospital, (which I think a defect ;)
two sous chefs, and two freres aines, or monitors, chosen by
the other boys. They work in distinct shops, according to
their respective trades ; tailors, smiths, carpenters, &c, and
in the gardens and fields. No punishments except dry
bread and solitary confinement for a time. Nothing can ex-
ceed the happy order which appears to prevail. During
the hours of recreation the peres de famille, sous chefs,
monitors, and boys, all gathered round us, with the directors,
and several visitors ; and we were favored with a solemn meet-
ing in the open air.

Brettiniere is a Roman Catholic, somewhat serious, and
reads and explains the Scriptures to the boys. It is by far
the best Institution of the kind I ever saw as to external
order, comfort, industry, and effect. Yet one deeply feels that
vital, enlightened Christianity, in the room of masses, &c, &c,
is the thing wanted.

In the evening we went to our meeting ; a fine congregation,
chiefly French, including several Roman Catholics. " Les
jours vicnnent, dit L'eternel, quand je susciterai a David un
germe juste." I trust the best of influences was not withheld.

Yesterday morning, before we left Tours for Saumur, we
visited the new prison on the cellular or solitary system. It
was to me a highly interesting sight ; very much resembling
the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia. I went to it with
a feeling of dread, lest I should find it a scene of suffering.
But this, with little exception, is not the case. It is admirably
built and arranged, and we found the poor solitary ones
generally comfortable. Several who had been in other prisons
expressed their preference for their present isolation. They
are here only for a year at the furthest ; so that it is not soli-
tude severe or hopeless.

Forty-five miles along the beautiful Loire, brought us to
Saumur, a delightful drive, campagne riante. Saumur is a

412

saumur; angers.

1844.

fine old town, crowned by a noble castle. We arrived at five
o'clock, and though the Pastor Duvivier was absent, we suc-
ceeded in obtaining a reunion of about thirty religious people
at the Hotel de Londres, at eight in the evening ; dear simple-
hearted people, they reminded us of our friends at Congenies.
We were favoured with a lively solemn meeting ; no reading ;
but a time of much tender feeling ; I trust, of that influence
which is precious above all things. The office and operation
of the Holy Spirit was the subject immediately before us. I
had much pleasure in interpreting for my wife. This morning
many of them came to bid us a hearty farewell. After a
comforting, though short, private week-day meeting, we came
to Angers, an interesting old town of 40,000 inhabitants.

Bordeaux, sixth day, 4th lno., 19th, 1844.

Most interesting has been the past week ; and, on the
whole, productive and satisfactory. I wrote last from Angers.
A few scattered Protestants there have not zeal enough even
to meet for divine worship, and Popery is dominant. Josiah
Forster, in his morning walk, saw a curious specimen of
idolatry. He was talking to a shopwoman at the door of her
magazine, when she suddenly knelt down. A priest was pass-
ing by with a box containing the host, which he was carrying
to an invalid. " C'est le bon Dieu," said she, and our dear
friend's argument seemed to have but little effect in convincing
her of the contrary.

At Nantes (a large town of about 85,000 inhabitants) we
called on the Protestant Pastor Rapolet, whom we found living
in a third story. He is apparently pious, intellectual, and
interesting ; gave us a cordial reception, though we had no
introduction to him; and at once promised to lend his "temple"
for our meeting, and to give full notice of it to his flock. We
agreed to hold it on the following afternoon.

Our Sabbath day was fruitful. Our usual little meeting
quiet and comfortable ; afterwards a walk on the quay, which
is fine, though the recollections of blood hang about this part
of the Loire. It was the scene of the ncyards, those wholesale

MT. 56. NANTES. 413

murders by drowning, effected by the opening of a trap-door,
by strings from the shore, in the boats which had been filled
with the unhappy aristocrats, their wives and children.
About 6,000 people are said to have been destroyed here in
this way, under the orders of Carriere, in 1793 ; probably the
largest horror of the French revolution.

On our return, we received a call from La Veuve Dolsee, a
Protestant lady of wealth and influence, much devoted to the
cause of religion ; at half-past three to the meeting ; which,
after a discouraging appearance at first, soon became numer-
ous, so that the deep exercise of mind, through which I had
been passing, met with a fully corresponding result. I had
to dwell on the great contrast between the terrors of the
law, and the blessings of the gospel, in Heb. xii. Many
seemed affected ; especially a French lady, the mother of six
children, who ran after us in the street, to ask us whether
we should hold any more meetings. In the evening, a
number of English, with a few French, resorted to the
hotel, and we had a good reading and sitting with them.
Books were distributed as usual, and Christian love flowed
freely. Rapolet was with us again the next morning, and
interested us much ; he is a spiritually-minded man, of very
delicate health.

Second day, the 15th. Short and easy journey to Bourbon
Vendee, a town built in the centre of that district by Napoleon,
for the purpose of securing its peaceable conduct. An idle
place ; erected by the will of man, and not in the order of nature
and Providence. A few Protestants, with whom we conversed,
seemed dull enough ; not so a battalion of soldiers, who
were most eager for our little Scripture extracts. These we
gave in abundance, and determined applicants they were. I
longed to preach the Gospel to them, and to a certain extent
was enabled to do so.

The journey to La Rochelle, of about 40 miles, was pleasant
and easy. This place, once the stronghold of Protestantism,
suffered intensely from the wars of religion, early in the 17th
century; the inhabitants being reduced from 30,000 to 17,000.
It is now a trading port, and contains a respectable little body of

414

la rochelle; saintes.

1844.

Protestants, under the care of two ministers — Dalmes, Evan^e-
lical ; Fau, Socinian. The former is talented and warm-hearted,
and we found that he had invited his friends for a reunion that
evening at his own house. It was a crowded assembly ; about
one hundred, I should think ; very much like our meetings at
Stutgard. Much seriousness and attention prevailed. The
next morning Dalmes and his interesting wife, with a lady who
once lived as French governess with the Wilberforce family, her
niece, husband, and another gentleman breakfasted with us. We
left our books with them, and parted from them in much love.

On fourth day, the 17th ; journey over a flat, marshy
country, in sight of the sea ; first to Rochefort, on the
beautiful Charente, where there is a great naval arsenal and
dock ; afterwards to Saintes, the little capital of Saintonges,
in the midst of a fruitful country, famous for brandy. Our
meeting was held at the Hotel de Ville, the "Temple" being
under repair ; about one hundred persons — one-third Roman
Catholics, chiefly gentlemen. It was a deeply interesting
occasion. I had felt a particular concern for the place, and
spoke with more fluency than ever before, in French, on
Isaiah ii. The people were very cordial, both Protestants and
Roman Catholics. I had a sad, coughing night afterwards ;
but a poor preparation for a long day's journey, on fifth day,
from Saintes to Bordeaux, about 77 miles ; but the road is
admirable. We stopped for an early dinner at Blaie, on the
Gironde, where the Duchess of Berri was imprisoned after
the Revolution of 1830 ; an old chiiteau renewed as a modern
fortress. The Dordogne and Garonne unite within sight of

o o

Blaie, and form the Gironde. In going from Blaie to Bor-
deaux, (30 miles,) we passed over the Dordogne, at Cussac,
by a new and magnificent suspension bridge ; and over the
Garonne, by the finest stone bridge in France, on entering
Bordeaux. These several rivers are splendid. The Dordogne,
at Cussac, truly American ; and the Garonne, at Bordeaux,
magnificent indeed. We have appointed a public meeting in
the Casino for to-morrow afternoon.

We hope to have an anti-slavery meeting in this pro-
slavery town, for second day evening ; and to move on next

MT. 5G.

BORDEAUX.

415

third day to " St." Foy and other places, where meetings may
be held on our way to Toulouse. * * *

Mirande, Sixth day night, 4th mo., 2Gth, 1844.

Here we are on our route for Pau, within a short day's
journey of it, and within sight of the snowy, rocky, peaked
Pyrenees, to our no small satisfaction and pleasure. My last
journal was despatched on seventh day, the 20th, from Bor-
deaux, and very full of interest has our life been since.
After the usual time of suspense, and apparent doubt and
difficulty, Bordeaux flourished like a garden of flowers. Our
Sabbath there was peculiarly interesting. Our little meeting
in the morning was attended by a young friend named
Rowntree, at Bordeaux for his health, in evident decline ;
also by an English family, who had received him as their
inmate. It was a time of deep seriousness, and was, I trust,
blessed to his soul. In the afternoon we repaired to the
Casino, a large room which we had hired for our public
meeting, having ventured to advertise it in the journals. We
found a large promiscuous assembly ready to receive us.
Peculiarly critical, though after much exercise of mind satis-
factory and relieving, was the meeting; many Roman Catholics
present. I spoke on the prophecies respecting our Saviour,
and the fulfilment of them as described in the New Testament ;
and on the divine authority of the whole Scripture ; explaining
and enforcing the necessity of a free and diligent perusal of it.
Then showing that even this would not do, except we actually
come to Christ, of whom the Scriptures testify — "Ye will not
come unto me, that ye might have life." The impression made
was evidently very considerable.

In the evening, after dinner, Josiah Forster and I repaired
to the Protestant " Temple," and in a salle adjoining it, met
the pasteur Maillard and his flock, of about 150, chiefly
women. He gave us a good opportunity of addressing them,
and they seemed not a little warmed up on the occasion. The
pastors here are rather high church ; but they gradually
melted down, and were all love and unity towards us before
we parted. From the " Temple," we went to the house of

416

BORDEAUX.

1844.

La Harpe, a pious gentleman, whose son, the brother of the
minister and professor at Geneva, is the pastor of a small
Independent congregation. The young man married Dr.
Malan's daughter. We found him surrounded by about
twenty-five or thirty persons, to whom he was ministering.
Here, also, I found an open door for service. On second day
morning we had much satisfaction in visiting the Protestant
schools ; boys and girls ; about 100 each ; on the British
system, and in excellent order. We addressed the children,
and left our subscription. We were attended by the Inspector
of all the schools of the department, whether Roman Catholic
or Protestant, containing 56,000 children ; himself a Pro-
testant. Under his care, the New Testament is freely used in
all these schools. It must be allowed that the French are
doing much in the way of primary schools ; the government
insisting on them, and the towns, &c, paying for them ; and I
have not yet seen one which was not in good order. The
measure of education is also a little above us ; at all events,
above our Norwich Lancasterian schools.

In the evening, we again repaired to the Casino, to
tell the people my West Indian story. We found a lai'ge
and genteel assembly, in the greatest order, about 400
or' 500 people, apparently: Nothing could exceed their
willing attention. I was enabled to get through the ser-
vice comfortably, so as to leave a strong impression against
slavery, in this notoriously pro-slavery place ; at the same
time interweaving a few plain gospel truths for the benefit of
the Roman Catholics. Warm and kind feeling seemed to
follow this meeting. The pasteur Maillard and his daughter,
with some others, accompanied us to the hotel. In the
morning of third day, the 23rd, we received a call from an
enlightened Roman Catholic, who had been at the meeting ;
and who was very full of information on mendicity, prison-
discipline, colonies for the poor, and capital punishment ;
taking a correct and very philanthropic view of these several
subjects. * * *

We were pleased enough, after all the real baptism that
Bordeaux had cost us, to move out of the place in peace and

JET. 56.

" ST." FOY.

417

safety; and a journey of about thirty-five miles, brought us
along a pleasant garden-like country to " St." Foy. In looking
back on " St." Foy, I can only say, that the rapid development
of our affairs there was marvellous. There is a large Protestant
College in the town. The Director Pellis took up our cause,
Martin soon joining him, and by eight o'clock in the evening,
(we having not arrived until nearly four,) about 500 people
were collected ; half of them Roman Catholics. It was an-
excellent meeting ; thirsty the soil, abundant the watering
graciously permitted. I was led to a full declaration of the
blessed gospel, and the congregation was remarkably hushed
into silence before and after it. The next morning, after
visiting the Colonic Agricole, we crossed the beautiful Dordogne,
in a boat, and saw the normal school for girls, under the care
of a lady named Dufruis ; it seems a valuable institution.
Thence to the college, where we found 100 young Protestants
under tuition, from childhood to manhood. We held a
favoured meeting with them, the Professors, and Director.
I felt much drawn to the young people in the love of the
gospel, and had much to say to them on the right method of
studying the Scriptures ; taking a view of the history, prophe-
cies, doctrine, and precepts. Josiah Forster also addressed
them at some length. Afterwards, I took the opportunity,
(having the flower of Protestant France before me, for it is,
I believe, the only institution of the kind,) to impress them
with sound Anti-Slavery principles. Nothing could be more
lively than their attention. After a satisfactory visit to a
large boys' school, and a luncheon at the inn, Ave left the town,
a crowd of our warm-hearted friends and others surrounding
us as we took our leave. Certainly there seems to be an open
door for Christian labours of love at "St." Foy, and the popu-
lation in the surrounding district is said to be ' in a very
awakened state, large numbers being in the practice of reading
the Scriptures daily in their families. This remark applies
chiefly to the Protestants, who are numerous ; but the Roman
Catholics are also, many of them, turning in a right direction.
A drive of two hours, through a flat, but pleasant and fertile
Vol. II. — 27

418

KERAC.

1844.

country, brought us to Berjerac, a town of G000 or 7000
inhabitants, where there are also many Protestants. The
pastcur Strigue had appointed the meeting at his own house,
where we met about fifty people in the evening. No Friends
could have desired a greater degree of outward silence than
prevailed among them.

On fifth day we made an earlier start than usual, having
appointed a meeting at Nerac for the evening at a distance of
about 70 miles. This was a little de trop, but we could not
very well avoid it, and the road is capital, the country hilly and
open ; the people eager for tracts.

The two dear simple-hearted pastors were ready to receive
us. When we entered the meeting we found hundreds of
people, Protestants and Roman Catholics ; and a very open
time it proved. We were allowed to conduct it in our
own way. It was given to me to hold out a full and free
invitation to the Saviour, without distinction of nation, name,
or class. The next morning the two pastors breakfasted
with us, and we had afterwards a very relieving time with
them. I was enabled fully to explain to them, in answer
to their numerous questions, the Scriptural ground of our
distinguishing views. They seemed to be in a teachable spirit,
and offered no objection to our remarks, but expressed their
cordial satisfaction with the visit. The points before us were
the immediate and perceptible guidance of the Spirit, Baptism
and the Supper, the Christian Ministry, women's preaching,
Friends' discipline, &c. We left the place with easy, happy
minds, and after an agreeable journey, passing through the
old picturesque town of Auch, arrived at Mirande.

Pau, first day, 4th ino., 2Sth.

Our journey yesterday from Mirande was very agreeable,
the range of the Pyrenees being frequently in view, and mag-
nificently so from the tops of some of the hills. My wife and
I rode outside until driven in by a thunder storm. The Hotel
de France clean and comfortable, and the place highly in-
teresting and beautiful from its situation. Here is the old

jf.t. 56.

PAU.

419

castle where Henry IV. was horn ; and here, also, the humble
dwelling where the wife of a saddler gave birth to Bernadotte,
the late king of Sweden ; two kings of comparatively good
character, who, however, both changed their religion to obtain
or keep a throne. The terrace close by the inn commands a
splendid view of the range of the Pyrenees, crowned with
snow, the Pic du Midi being in the middle of the scene.
Below the snow mountains, are green wooded hills, and at the
foot of these a rich valley, with the Adour running through it.
The public walks here are called the Park, delightful indeed
for the scenery. Seldom, if ever, have we seen a more lovely
spot ; and greatly should we enjoy penetrating into the heart
of these glorious mountains, and visiting the Eaux Bonnes, the
Eaux Chaudes, &c, &c, but duty calls us in another direction.
A meeting in the Protestant temple is appointed for this
evening. A good building has been erected for the joint and
separate use of French and English, chiefly through the
liberality of the Duchess of Gordon. The pastor here is of
the Genevese Evangelical School, and very brotherly and
friendly. I conceive it cpuite a favour that we have been
brought to this delightful spot, which will not fail to leave a
charming picture on our memory.

Now, at the extreme point of our journey, we have to ac-
knowledge that our divine Lord and Master has hitherto dealt
most graciously with us, preserving us in body and soul, and
opening our way before us. May we all serve, worship, and
obey him, as his willing-hearted yoke-bearers, more and more !

420

PAU.

1844.

CHAPTER XLIII.

1844. jut. 56.

journey in france continued ; pau ; toulouse ; saverdun ;
montauban; Orleans; paris; attendance op yearly meet-
ing; VOYAGE TO GUERNSEY; JERSEY; LABOURS THERE; LECTURE
ON TOTAL ABSTINENCE; WATER IS BEST; RETURN HOME.

Montauban, 5th mo., 5th, 1844.

I am glad to have a quiet hour this morning to fetch up my
journal after our heart-searching, yet comforting little meeting
in our Hotel. We have some important engagements in pros-
pect ; a public meeting for worship this evening, a meeting
■with the students to-morrow at one o'clock, and one on Anti-
Slavery and the West Indies to-morrow evening. We hope to
start on third day morning for Orleans, trusting that we may
arrive there in time for our next Sabbath. Our last, as thou
wilt remember, was spent at that loveliest of all the places we
have seen in France — Pau.

I think I mentioned our morning walk in the park
attached to the old castle, the birth-place of Henry IV., and
the exquisite beauty of the scene. Fine woods in the fore-
ground before us, the river Adour winding through
extremely green meadows with pretty villages, green Avooded
hills beyond, and the jagged pyramids of snow in the fine
range of the Pyrenees forming the back-ground and frame-
work of the picture. We repeated this walk on second day
before our departure, in company with the agreeable minister
of the English Church, who breakfasted with us, as did
Buscarlet, the . French Independent Pastor, and Lebrat, a
schoolmaster, who is doing much among a body of Protestants

^t. 56.

PAU.

421

of old date, in the midst of the Mountains of Ossean. The
flock consists of little cultivators and proprietors, "who have
subscribed largely for the erection of a school-house. We, of
course, cheerfully contributed to help those who were thus wil-
ling to help themselves.

Our meeting on first day evening was held in the Protestant
"Temple," used by both English and French, and was a very
favoured one. I have seldom felt a greater relief of mind in
the full declaration of the gospel of our Holy Redeemer.
First, on the divine character ; and secondly, on the ground
and nature of the spiritual government of Christ. The unction
was graciously permitted to flow for our help in the needful
hour ; and this was remarkably the case the next morning, in
our sitting with our friends.

We left Pau about noon, and passed through a little town
where they were holding a cattle and sheep market, (the sheep
mostly brown and black, with soft silky wool,) multitudes of
the picturesque-looking country people were thronging the
place, and intense was their eagerness to obtain our tracts.
No sooner had we driven off, than I remembered that had I
been more watchful, I might have ascended the back seat or
box of the carriage, and addressed them on subjects of vital
importance ; and I carried along with me for many a mile, the
painful feeling of irretrievable omission ; but it was want of
watchfulness, not of willingness, I believe. It is highly need-
ful to be always alive to the passing calls of duty, on a journey
like this.

We again lodged at Mirande, (the road so far being the
same as we had travelled in going to Pau,) rose early next
morning, and after a long and very tedious journey through a
fertile and diversified country, arrived at Toulouse to dinner
on third day. Our kind friends, the three brothers Ceurtois,
had prepared accommodation for us at a clean and comfort-
able abode in a narrow street. Toulouse is composed of such,
its 80,000 inhabitants being much crowded, and is rather
unusually destitute of outward charms. Frank, Louis, and
Armande Courtois, are remarkable men ; bankers in good
reputation, but devoted, heart and hand, to every good word

422

TOULOUSE.

1844

and work. They have a book society, which includes
2000 libraries in different parts of France ; they publish-
ing the books at Toulouse ; all for edification. They have
also three Protestant schools (for boys, girls, and infants)
under their care, and hold two or three meetings for worship
and instruction, every week, in a humble chapel attached to
their house ; they have been engaged in public controversy
with the Bishop of Toulouse, who had foolishly challenged
the Protestant versions of Scripture ; and lastly have founded
the Asylum at Saverdun, for orphan and otherwise destitute
Protestant boys, about eighty in number. These truly
Christian young men are blessed with Christian wives, and
they all live together in one large house, occupying a whole
court. They have a pious mother who is English ; and their
uncles, who reside near them, are of the same mind and
purpose as themselves. Thus this family, so well known in
the religious world, are the centre of action for all good
purposes in the south of France ; and are aided by Chabrand,
one of the pastors of Toulouse, and by Adolphe Monod and
De Felice, two evangelical professors at the university at this
place.* It is really a privilege to have made an acquaintance,
I might truly say, to have formed a friendship, with such a
family. They had appointed a meeting for us in their own
chapel for eight o'clock in the evening, which was much
crowded, and ended well.

On fourth day we drove to Saverdun, due south, thirty
miles ; dined with D'Ounous, the President of the Committee
of the Orphan Institution ; an aged gentleman of piety, formerly
member of the Chamber of Deputies for the district, who with
his wife, son, and son's wife, received us with warm hospitality;
and in the evening we had a crowded and very solemn public
meeting in the school-room. One of the poor boys had died
of consumption that very morning, which suggested many
solemn reflections. The different members of the Committee,
the Director and his wife, (excellent people,) and the twe
Schoolmasters, seemed all glad to receive us. After the

* The letter, it will be observed, is dated at Montauban.

iET. 56.

TOULOUSE.

423

meeting, I told the boys a little about America, and greatly
were they interested. It was a time of much divine favour.

On fifth day morning we again visited, and more thoroughly
inspected the Institution ; and I explained to the boys the
Aekworth method of obtaining a knowledge of the Holy Scrip-
tures, which seemed well approved both by them and their
teachers, who propose to adopt it. After taking leave of our
kind friends, we returned to Toulouse to dinner, and in the
evening held a second meeting chez les Courtois, no other more
public place being obtainable. An expectation having been
given that I would address the people on Slavery, I felt most
easy, after a good silence, to speak on the more serious parts
of that subject, and then was enabled to turn to that great work
of Redemption, through our Divine Saviour, of which we all
stood in need. Thy dear mother followed me in the same strain,
and the meeting ended well. The Courtois were so pressing
that we should continue with them the following day, that we
thought it best to consent. We accordingly went to breakfast
with them, and were favoured with an excellent family sitting
afterwards.

Just after we sat down the Abbe" Maurette came in, who has
lately renounced popery, and is now under prosecution at law
as a libeller, for the spirited book which he has since published
against the clergy. He is a man of high character, but a little
too fiery in some of his expressions. He was urged to leave
the country for Canada, but refuses, and determines to take all
consequences. He seemed deeply interested by our little meet-
ing ; and thy mother's ministry, though she knew not who or
what he was, just fitted his case. Thus are we graciously
furnished from time to time, with proofs of the truth of that
precious doctrine of the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit,
which it is our privilege, as a religious body, (may it be always
so,) steadily to maintain. We then visited the three schools,
and after a few quiet hours at the hotel returned to the Cour-
tois to dinner. We were met by the recteur of the great
Academy here, who' superintends the education of three whole
departments ; a liberal Roman Catholic and agreeable man.

424

JIONTAUBAN.

1844

In the evening many influential gentlemen and some ladies
joined our circle, and at the earnest request of the Courtois, I
made them an hour's speech or more on Slavery and the West
Indies. They seemed much satisfied and interested ; though,
for my own part, I was nervous and somewhat confused. Our
friends took a most affectionate leave of us }7esterday morning,
when we were glad to leave that busy scene and close city, and
pursue our journey in quiet, (though, for a long way, through
a violent thunder storm,) to this much more airy and agreeable
place on the banks of the beautiful Tarne, the "Plateaux" in
fine weather, commanding a distant view of the Pyrenees.
Nothing can be more comfortable than our quarters. It is
like having the undisturbed use of a commodious French cha-
teau, with everything needful at our command ; the people of
the house simple-hearted and sociable, as well as clean. We
soon came into contact with A. Monod, professor of Theology.
De Felice, another of the professors, and Marzial, the dear old
pastor, who are all thoroughly willing to help us ; the two
former, men of first-rate talent, as well as decided piety. May
we be helped through our weighty engagements by the " Mighty
One" on whom help is laid.

Paris, Hotel Bedford, 5th mo., 14th, 1844.

Here we are once more, just for this single day, preparing
for our flight homeward. We have many mercies to recount
in the retrospect of the last week or ten days. No place has
proved more interesting to us than Montauban. I had
long felt a wish to go there, and a drawing of Christian love
and interest towards the young men of the university, (all
studying for the ministry,) and the professors. Of the latter
there are six. Marzial, the evangelical pastor of the town,
freely gave up his evening meeting on first day to us. It was
held in a large school-room attached to the "Temple," and
proved an occasion of much interest ; many of the students
were there, and I trust that some divine help was graciously
afforded, as I endeavoured to develop the doctrines contained
in our Lord's words in the last chapter of the Revelation — "Be-
hold I come quickly. I am the root and the offspring of

jf,t. 56.

MONTAUBAN.

425

David," &c. The dear old pastor, -when prayer had been
offered, concluded the meeting with a paternal blessing, and
we afterwards spent an hour with a company of Christian
friends, at Monod's.

The next day was one of peculiar interest. Monod break-
fasted with us ; and we had afterwards some intimate
conversation with him. His duties at the university are very
much of a paternal character ; and the students seem to
gather round him. They were summoned to his house, to
meet us, at one o'clock. In the meantime, Josiah Forster

and I called on , who was very polite, and soon returned

our call, but our grounds of unity with him were small, and
he declined joining the meeting of young men ; which was
attended by nearly the whole of them, and our three friendly
Professors. I walked with the students in the shady garden,
amidst the ceaseless songs of the nightingales, and cpiite
enjoyed myself. We then settled down in a truly quiet,
solemn meeting. I had much to say to them, for my mind and
heart were full towards them. The danger of adding to the
truth, and building on the one foundation with wood, hay,
and stubble. The still greater danger -of taking away from
the truth, and especially of depriving it of its fundamental
pillars ; the awful punishment of this, the taking away of our
names from "the book of life;" the true preparation for the
ministry of the gospel, even the baptism of the Holy Ghost,
and of fire ; and the necessity of a constant dependence on the
divine anointing, as the great cmalification for the work.
Much seriousness and solemnity prevailed.* * * I can hardly
describe the relief which I felt when it was over. We had a
sitting afterwards with Babut, a brother-in-law of Monod's,
living under the same roof, who has long been afflicted by a
most painful spinal affection. Then followed visits to an
excellent institution for thirty -eight orphan girls; well
managed, and extremely clean ; also to a Protestant Refuge
for destitute old women. A public Anti-slavery meeting, with
the approbation of the Mayor, was appointed for the evening.
Many hundreds attended it, and there were crowds at the door
unable to get in. We had issued a hand-bill on the subject.

426

MONTAUBAN.

1844.

with the aid of our friend De Felice, and of a pious, active
Protestant gentleman, Le Notaire Borell. I spoke with much
ease on the subject ; comparing the several results of slavery
and of emancipation, as I had myself witnessed them, in an
economical, physical, moral, and religious point of view.
Nothing could exceed the attention of the audience ; all the
students, or nearly all, were present ; and a great many of the
respectable citizens, both Roman Catholic and Protestant.
De Felice, who is a man of superior powers, both as a writer
and speaker, is remarkably alive to this great question, and I
hope will become an important helper in the cause. It would
have been worth our going to Montauban had it been only to
make his acquaintance, and that of A. Monod.

On third day, we had the three Professors, and some
Christian friends to breakfast ; and parted with them in a flow
of hearty good-will, after an interesting time of Scripture
reading, silence, and ministry. Books were distributed in
abundance, and we left the place at noon, after visiting an
excellent establishment for Protestant young ladies, kept by a
pious Moravian. So ended our deeply interesting sejour at
Montauban.*

* The following letter from G. de Felice shows the impression
made by Joseph John Gurney's visit to Montauban.

Montauban, le 14 Decembre.

Je m'empresse, chcrs amis, de vous corummuniquer, autant que
me le permettent des souvenirs deja eloignes, quelques details sur le
sejour de M. J. J. Gurney a, Montauban.

II arriva dans les premiers jours du mois de Mai, 1844, accom-
pagne de sa respectable epouse et de M. Josiah Forster. Sa haute
reputation de piete, de philanthropic, et de liberalite Chretienne,
l'avait precede dans notre ville, et nous fumes heureux de faire la
eonnaissance personelle d'un homme qui avait rendu de si eminents
services a la sainte cause de la religion.

M. Gurney s'etait propose deux objets principaux dans son
voyage : l'un d'annoncer en toute occasion favorable les grandes
verites de la foi evangeliquc j l'autre de plaider specialement la
question de l'affranchissement des Noirs dans les Colonies Francaises.

Fidulc a cette double mission, M. Gurney s'empressa d'abord
de tenir plusieurs assemblies d'edification. Le Dimanche, 5me Mai,

JET. 56.

BRIVES ; LIMOGES.

427

On their way to Paris, from Montauban, they
passed through Brives, Limoges, and Orleans.

"At Brivcs," writes Joseph John Gurney, "lives la Barorme
le Clerc, the sister of Stephen Grellet, a lady-like elderly widow,
surrounded by children and grandchildren. She is a Roman
Catholic, much devoted, and yet liberal ; very refined and
pleasing. We called on her before we left the town, on fifth
day ; and, in a comfortable sitting, were brought to a feeling
of sympathy with her. * * *

Limoges is the birth-place of Stephen Grellet ; and his elder
brother Joseph, also a Friend, who once lived at Nottingham,
now resides here with his Roman Catholic wife. They both

il presida a la reunion du soir, qui a lieu dans une salle du temple
des Cannes. L'auditoire etait nombreux, et l'impression produite
par les paroles de cct excellent ami fut profonde. II y apporta cette
admirable simplicity ce caractere serieux, cette force de pensee et
d'expression, qui etaicnt les traits distinctifs de ses qualites oratoires.
II observa quelques formes particulieres a la communion des Amis,
entre autres les intervalles de silence usites dans leur culte; mais
ces particularises, loin de choquer l'assemblee, ne servirent qu'a aug-
menter le recueillement et 1' edification generale.

Le lendemain, 6me Mai, cut lieu une autre reunion dans la maison
d'un de nos amis. Les etudiants de la Faculte de theologie y avaint
ete specialement convoques, et y etaient fort nombreux. * * *

Outre ces deux assemblies, M. et Madame Gurney nous edifierent
dans des reunions plus intinies, et firent d'abondantes distributions
de livres picux a. leurs amis. En resume, leur scjour a Montauban
fut pour nous tous un moyen de re>eil et de rafraicbissement.

J'arrive au second objet du voyage de M. J. J. Gurney. Des
son arrivee dans notre ville, il s'addressa aux personnes qu'il jugeait
les mieux disposers a s'interesser au sort des pauvres esclaves.
Deja d'autres membres de 1 V Anti- Slavery Society,' notamment
M.M. Alexander et Wiffen avaient appelle notre attention sur ce
sujet et tenu des reunions particulieres pour nous exhorter a travailler
en faveur de 1' emancipation des Noirs. Mais M. Gurney fit un
grand pas de plus; il examina le desir de soutenir cette cause dans
une assemblee publique.

428

ORLEANS.

1844.

spent the evening -with us, and he came again to an early
breakfast. We felt much sympathy with this quiet, worthy
man, who is, I trust, (in the midst of darkness and superstition,)
preserved steady to his principles. * * *

Our kind friend Duchemin came to us at our Inn, at
Orleans, on seventh day evening, and informed us of his
arrangement for the Sabbath day's work, then ensuing;
fifteen miles into the country, to Villeneuve, in the morning ;
the meeting appointed at eleven o'clock ; an afternoon
meeting at Tournon, on our way back, the village Avhere

I had before held a meeting ; and a third in the evening,
at Orleans. I was sufficiently recovered from my cold and
fatigue, to meet this arrangement, and thy dear mother

L'execution d'un tel projet etait delicate et difficile; car
1' opinion de la plupart des Francais n'est pas favorablement disposee
pour les Anglais qui vicnncnt leur recoramander l'emancipation des
esclaves. II y a des differences de religion, de rnceurs, de nationality
qui sont des barriercs presque infranchissables. Mais M. Gurney ne
se laissa point decourager, et nous avions pleine confiance dans la
maniere dont il s'acquitterait de sa tacbe. Une salle publique fut
done demandee ii M. le Maire de Montauban, et des cartes de convo-
cation furent distributes dans toutc la ville.

L'assemblee cut lieu le Lundi, Gme Mai, a 7 beures du soir, dans
le grand salle du Tribunal de Commerce. On y remarquait un grand
nombre de Catboliques Itomains, et parmi eux plusieurs pei-sonnes
notables. lis etaient venus par curiosite autant et peut-etre plus
que par interet pour la principe de l'emancipation.

II me serait difficile de bien caracteriser 1'excellent effct que
produisit le discours de M. Gurney; h, peine avait il prononce
quelques mots que dej;\ touts les preventions de son auditoire etaient
dissipees. II raconta de la maniere la plus simple et la plus emouv-
ante quels avaient ete les efforts et les succes des Cbretiennes
d'Angleterre pour l'abolition de l'esclavage. II parla de ce qu'il
avait vu lui-meme dans la Jamaique et les autres isles Anglaises.

II montra l'homme de race noire delivre enfin du poids de ses
cbaines, instruit dans la religion de Dieu-Sauveur ; s'accoutumant a-
la practique des devoirs domestiques et civils, devenu digne de la
liberte par la liberte meme, et s'elevant rapidement au niveau de la
civilization moderne. Soir, M. Gurney addressa de pressantea

JET. 56.

ORLEANS.

429

went through the whole of it with me, as well as Josiah
Forstcr. We found a crowd of clean, simple-hearted villagers,
already gathered in their meeting house, on our arrival at
Villeneuve ; a village among the vineyards ; the men in nice
blue frocks ; vignerons, and little proprietors ; the women,
equally neat, in their white caps, &c. It was a satisfactory
occasion, much interest and feeling being evinced by many ;
and evident marks of the spreading of that leaven which can
alone purify the lump.

We afterwards dined at a clean little inn, where we fell in
with a light-hearted young medical man, who had been
educated for a priest, but had, through his travels, changed
his profession, and now openly avows himself to be un theiste.

exhortations a ses auditeurs pour les engager a reclamer sans retard
1' emancipation dans les Colonies Franchises.

Tout son discours etait plein d'interet, de justesse, de mesure, et
meme d'esprit dans le mcillcur sens du mot. Les auditeurs, en se
rctirant, temoignaient tous de la vive satisfaction qu'ils en avaient
eprouvee.

J'ai sous les yeux le No. du Courier de Varn et Garonne, du 9mc
Mai, 1844, qui rend compte de cette m6morable seance. II loue
beaucoup la manierc franchc, naive, positive, de l'orateur Anglais,
(ce sont ses propres termes,) et plaide lui-meine avec chaleur la cause
des esclaves.

Un autre fait prouve combien l'impression de cette seance fut
durable, car, quelques mois apres, la Societe des Sciences et Belles
Lettres de Montauban proposa pour le concours du prix de poesie
1' Abolition de I' Esclavage. Depuis lors, les petitions pour l'affran-
cissement des Noirs ont obtenu a Montauban de nombreuses
signatures.

Voila l'oeuvre d'un courageux serviteur de Christ, et d'un phil-
anthrope devoue dans notre contree. Elle ne s'effacera jamais de nos
souvenirs.

M. Gurney parla aussi de ce sujet a ses amis dans des entretiens
plus particulicrs. II reveilla notre zele, excita notre sympathie, et
nous donna de precieuses informations sur la cause des esclaves.
C'est lui qui h provoqu6 la composition d'une brochure qui fut public
en 1846, dans laquelle l'auteur a soutenu le principe de Vcmancipa-
tion immediate et complete.

G. De Felice.

430

ORLEANS.

1844.

We had a good deal of conversation with him. I hogged
him carefully to read the New Testament ; explained to him
in what Avay it bears its own evidence of Divine authority ;
and this being granted, it is nothing more than la vraie
philosopltie, to accept all its contents in simple faith. Duchemin
had a pocket Testament with him, which he gave him ; and
we left him a little softened, after receiving his promise that
he would read it. He interested us a good deal ; may the
interview have been blessed to him ! How good it is to observe
and to profit by the little daily intersections of Providence !

Our afternoon meeting at Tournon was comfortable. I
spoke on Rev. vii, in the belief that some good Christians
from those parts had been gathered to the glorious company
therein mentioned. This was afterwards publicly confirmed
by Duchemin, who stated, that two pious couples belonging to
his congregation there, had lately died ; in each case, the hus-
band and wife within two or three days of each other.

We found time at Orleans for a cup of coffee and a little rest,
before the evening meeting at eight o'clock. Notwithstanding
the pouring rain, it was very fairly attended. Baptism, in
the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, was
the subject on which I felt bound to speak ; openly giving the
spiritual view of Baptism, and at the same time unfolding the
whole comprehensive bearing of the Christian faith. It was a
very solemn time. Fain would we have accompanied Josiah
Forster to Paris next morning, or followed him by the next
train, especially as he and I had by letter offered to spend
half an hour with Guizot, in the evening ; but a meeting was
appointed for us at Neuville ; fifteen or eighteen miles from
Orleans, in an opposite direction from Villeneuve, for second
day, at one or two o'clock ; and neither my wife nor myself
felt easy to omit attending it. So we gave up the day in
faith, and it was well Ave did so. Long and tiring was our
drive to the village of Neuville, over sad roads. The chapel
bell began to ring as soon as our carriage came in sight.
Crowds of contented, clean, happy-looking country people
were engaged in the weekly market, which abounded with
provisions. Want seems unknown among them; the land

MT. 56.

PARIS.

431

being productive of corn of various kinds, and saffron, -which
is raised in great quantities. We secured a cup of coffee, and
a rough piece of bread and butter, before we entered the new-
built "temple." When we did enter, we found it crowded
with the country people, Roman Catholics as well as Protest-
ants, and thankful we are that we had not turned away from
this part of our pilgrimage. There was much of heavenly
goodness to be felt in the meeting. I spoke on the new birth
unto righteousness, illustrating it by the Gospel history of the
resurrection of Lazarus ; thy mother followed, Duchemin
interpreting for her. I had afterwards a few sentences for a
group of people in the market-place, and we returned home in
peace by another road through the forest of Orleans, and
passing by a fine chateau and estate belonging to the Due de
Broglie. Our late dinner at the hotel was succeeded by one
more effort ; a large Anti-Slavery company at Duchemin's at
eight o'clock. I told them my West Indian story ; and we
ended with a truly solemn meeting, thy mother addressing them,
on the slavery of the soul, and its true remedies. I had after-
wards to kneel in fervent prayer ; Duchemin added a few words
of brotherly gratitude and kindness at the close of the opportu-
nity. So ended, in much solemnity, our religious services in
France.

On third day morning we were in the railway carriage by
seven o'clock, and arrived safely in Paris at eleven. We were
glad to see Josiah Forster again, and soon found that nothing
had suffered by our not being there the day before, as he had
heen unable to make any arrangement with Guizot. Moreover,
we found that, had we come the day before, the hotels were so
t crowded we could not have been taken in anywhere. How-
good it is to walk by faith !

Finding that Guizot received company that evening, I went
to his house at eight o'clock; and, before the crowd assembled,
secured a little conversation with him. I was much pleased
to find that, in a late debate, occasioned by a petition from
the 0 uvricrs de Paris for the abolition of slavery, he had
openly declared, that to abolish it is the intention of Govern-

432

GUERNSEY.

1844.

ment, and that the premier pas should be taken without delay.
He told us, before we left Paris, what it was to be ; small
enough certainly ; but such as it is, (amounting only to a few
preparatory ameliorations,) it was introduced by the Minister
of Marine, in the House of Peers, the very day of my visit to
Guizot. I am satisfied that nothing effectual will be done until
public opinion is stirred up; and stirred up it is, in some degree,
already. I expressed to Guizot, before we parted, my earnest
desire that he might be enabled to persevere in the path of
Cliristian dutj7. He received it very kindly, and took an affec-
tionate leave of me.

Returning to England by way of Dover, they
arrived in London in time to attend the Yearly
Meeting ; after which they proceeded at once to the
Channel Islands. Having arrived at Guernsey,
Joseph John Gurney wrote

TO HIS DAUGHTER.

Guernsey, Cth mo., 8th, 1844.

* * * Our dear friend William Forster kindly accom-
panied us to Southampton last third day, and we embarked in
the Atlantic steamer under happy auspices ; though the wind
was ahead, the great waters were on the whole smoother than
usual. The voyage down the Southampton water, and under
the shore of the Isle of Wight, as far as the Needles, is highly
beautiful. After passing them, we came to the open sea, and
scudded along quietly during the night; until, at dawn the
next day, I found we were passing by the Caskets, a row cf
dangerous but picturesque rocks, with Alderney in sight at
our left, and Guernsey itself visible ahead at a great distance.
This part of the channel is very full of rocks, and the navigation
in hazy weather is difficult and dangerous; but at seven o'clock
we were under the brow of Guernsey Castle, which is built on
an island rock near the shore, and a boat soon brought us safely
to land. The appearance of the green hills of Guernsey, sur-
mounting the picturesque town called "St." Peter's Port, is

mi. 56.

GUERNSEY.

433

very inviting as one approaches the island, and reminded me
of some West Indian scenes long since admired. The small
islands of Herms and Jcthou were seen to the left hand as we
approached Guernsey; with the high land of Sark in the same
direction, but farther in the distance. We were well pleased
to land, unhurt, and almost undisturbed by our voyage, and
found very comfortable quarters at Marshall's hotel near the
pier. A friend, named George Letissier, met us at the land-
ing, and conducted us to our abode. Charles Dudley and
Wilks, the editor of the Christian Observer, arrived this
morning as representatives of the Bible Society ; and I have
been dining with them to-day, very agreeably, at Thomas
Lihon's. * * * It was a satisfaction to me, that the
way opened for my holding a Friends' Meeting, in the large
Methodist meeting-house on the evening of our arrival. The
meeting was well attended, and was remarkable for quietness
and solemnity. I returned home refreshed and comforted.
Notice was given at the close of the meeting, of a second, to
be held at the French Methodist meeting-house, the next
evening. Fifth day, like its precursor, proved satisfactory.
We had a good week-day meeting with Friends in the morn-
ing ; small and poor as their flock certainly is. In the evening
I repaired to the French chapel, a good deal laden with reli-
gious exercise. Many hundreds came to the meeting. The
doctrines of the gospel were freely declared, and speaking in
French was once more made easy, and even pleasant to me.
I am, I trust, thankful for this facility, which is almost as
useful in these islands as in France itself.

Jersey, Fourth day morning, Gth mo., 12th.

Sixth day in last week was spent very agreeably. In the
morning we took a long drive, with our friend William
Stephens as a guide, and greatly were we pleased with it.
Some of the rocky bays are highly pretty and picturesque ;
and one of them, the Gouffre, almost amounting to the sublime.
The country itself is under close cultivation, and the land,
though not first-rate in appearance, is more productive than

Vol. II. — 28

434

GUERNSEY.

1844.

in most parts of England ; a good deal of small timber, and
pretty neat residences everywhere interspersed. The island
is divided into ten parishes, each having its steeple ; the
little villages very picturesque and pleasing. The farms are
small, and occupied chiefly by little thriving proprietors^
nothing can exceed the comfortable look of the peasantry ;
no begging, and I should think but very little poverty.
Guernsey and Jersey are a fief of the Crown, being the
relic of the old Norman possessions of William the Con-
queror ; they have no taxes there, except a very moderate
property-tax, raised for home purposes, and all things desirable
are freely imported from France, &c. This is a great privi-
lege ; so that living in these islands is cheap, and in some
respects luxurious. I made many rough sketches of the
scenery ; and, after dinner and an early tea, we went to a
village two or three miles from the town, called "St." Martin's,
where I had appointed a public meeting for the French-
speaking country people, in the meeting-house, for the evening.
The congregation was large, and decent in appearance, as well
as attentive and well-behaved. I was enabled to speak plainly
on the concluding verses of 1 Peter iii — " The baptism which
now saveth us," and great was the attention and quietness
which prevailed.

Seventh day was spent in family visiting. The little scattered
flock of Friends is worth visiting; there is life to be found in it,
and some hope for the future. Our Sabbath was one of much
interest and divine favour. We had a searching morning meet-
ing with the Friends and others. Dinner with the Stephens
family, who were full of hospitality, and engaged our feelings
of sincere regard and friendship. I afterwards went with some
friends to "LeValle," a country district, about three miles,
where a large assembly of the agreeable and respectable-looking
peasantry were awaiting our arrival. We were favoured with
a good meeting. The people seemed highly pleased at being
addressed in their own language, and were very warm and
affectionate. In the evening we had a large crowded meeting
in the Independent Meeting-house, and a truly flowing time

MT. 56.

JEKSEY.

435

it was. Thus we had, at the close of the day, much feeling of
peace, and cause for thankfulness.

Second day, more family visits. In the evening, though
suffering intensely from toothache, I persevered in going to the
Bible Meeting, a very large one indeed, where I spoke freely
and fully ; I hope not in vain. I had to show, from West
Indian experience, the connexion between the free dissemi-
nation of Scripture and the just liberties of mankind ; and
afterwards gave a pretty full account of the Continent, Silesia —
France — Belgium. It was a good time, though I was in great
pain ; yet we were able to prosecute our labours the next day.
In the evening we held our concluding meeting in the Assembly
Booms ; well attended by many of the principal inhabitants.
It was an occasion of much sweetness and solemnity, a crown
to the whole visit ; leaving us without a feather's weight, ready
for our departure next morning. I had to show how Christ is
made unto us, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and, all
included in the last, — redemption. There was peculiar solem-
nity in the silence. As the sun broke through our windows
the next morning, we were roused from our slumbers about
half-past four o'clock, and were on board the Atalanta soon
after six. Save a ground-swell, the sea was smooth ; and very
beautiful was the view of Guernsey on leaving it, of Sark in
passing, and of Jersey on our approach. * * *

Fourth day morning ; we found good quarters at the British
Hotel. After making some meeting arrangements, we drove
out to the Prince's Tower, about two miles from the town,
which is itself large, stirring, commercially thriving, with nearly
30,000 inhabitants, but not very agreeable. The country is
verdant and woody, intersected by shady lanes ; the land much
divided and well cultivated. The view from the tower, of the
great expanse below, with the bright blue sea around it, and a
picturesque coast, with a castle here and there, and many
pretty little country residences, all which we saw under a bright
sun, has left a charming picture on our minds.

In the evening, the little week-day meeting of Friends ; three
families ; and a good time afterwards with a congregation of
Methodists.

436

JERSEY.

1844.

Eailham, 6th mo., 2Sth, 1844.

My Dearest Anna,

It is an inexpressible favour that I am able to continue
the thread of my Journal in thy own peaceful " little parlour,"
■with my window open on the garden, in its most flowery trim,
and all, within and without, quietness and peace. Surely this
is a happy termination of our long continued wanderings !

I wrote my last Journal on the day of our arrival at Jersey ;
just after we had taken a survey of that delightsome island,
with its bowery lanes and bright green little fields and orchards,
with the fine rocky coast, deep blue sea, and old castles, from
the top of Prince's Tower. That was fourth day, the twelfth,
more than a fortnight ago ; but the flow of engagements since
has left no room for journalizing.

That evening we attended the little week-day meeting of the
few scattered Friends, held in a pleasant cottage in a garden
of roses ; and though the flock is very small, we had a time of
some refreshment, as well as searching of heart. After our
meeting was over, I went with a Friend to the Methodist meet-
ing, with the leave of the minister and his friends ; patiently
heard a rapid sermon, of a lively character ; and then held a
solemn little meeting, with no very large number there assembled.

The next evening a much larger meeting was held with the
French-speaking Methodists, in another house ; which was a
time of peculiar weight, and very relieving to my own feelings.
Perhaps it might be regarded as the best French meeting I
have ever held. We received a kind call that morning from
General Touzel ; and the friends of the Bible Society called
to solicit my aid at their approaching meeting. On sixth day
I attended that meeting, which was spirited and interesting ;
and spoke with ease to myself, and I hope for some good pur-
pose. I came home in time to take a walk on the shore of the
beautiful bay of " St." Aubin's ; on one side of which stands
the prosperous and increasing town, " St." Heliers, now con-
taining nearly 30,000 inhabitants, and a very considerable port
in point of commerce, shipping, &c.

Seventh day was agreeable and interesting ; General Touzel

JET. 56.

LECTURE ON TOTAL ABSTINENCE.

437

called in his little open carriage, and conveyed us to his beauti-
ful little residence, on a green wood-clad eminence, surveying
the town and bay, studiously cultivated, and full of charm.
After breakfast we had a comforting Scripture reading. Then
the General took us a delightful drive of several hours, as far as
Goree, and the fine old castle on an eminence above the rocky
shore of Mont Orgueil. The scenery is quite charming ; and
the little properties of the numerous petty land-owners
appeared flourishing with corn, fig-trees, apple-trees, and fine
crops of potatoes and clover — all green and luxuriant, notwith-
standing the Ion"; drought. Near the castle is an old Druidical
temple, composed of large granite stones, upright, in juxta-
position, in the form of a circle, with a vast incumbent stone
for the roof. How the last was raised, and placed on the top
of the others without machinery, who shall say ?

We returned to the General's to dinner ; and having
observed that morning a placard about the streets, indicating
that " J. J. Gurney was to deliver a Temperance Lecture that
evening, at the Temperance Hall," which was put forth without
my knowledge, and only in consequence of my saying I was
willing to attend and help, we were under the necessity of
redeeming the pledge. They have a hall which holds some
300 or 400 people, or probably more. It was filled, and really
we felt much peace and satisfaction in the effort. I did lecture
to a very attentive audience, endeavouring to place the subject
on a clear, moderate, Christian ground. They have 1,500
members in Jersey, which is an excellent thing, as spirits are
imported at a very cheap rate from France ; and brandy and
water is the general beverage of male and female, to the great
injury of the population.

Such was the origin of the well-known little tract
entitled Water is Best, which has been since widely
circulated. Joseph John Gurney thus continues : —

Then followed our Sabbath ; a very close, searching, exer-
cising meeting in the morning with a little flock of Friends

438

JERSEY.

1844.

and a few others ; and family sittings in the afternoon. In the
evening we had a large meeting in the English Independent
Meeting-house, in which I had to dwell on the subject of the
Kingdom of Christ, as unfolded in Scripture. It certainly was
not a Jewish, millenarian view, which is somewhat rife in
Jersey, through the exertions of a little band of Plymouth
brethren. I believe it was a solid, satisfactory meeting.

On second day in last week, we visited the infant school,
prison, and hospital, or rather workhouse, and held satisfactory
meetings in the two latter, our friend Wilks being our compan-
ion. We afterwards dined at Colonel Le Couteur's, "St."
Aubin's, another exquisitely beautiful spot, commanding a
delightful view of the bay. The Colonel is Vicomte of the
Island, a crown officer of importance. He was absent, but his
wife and aged mother entertained us, Dudley, and Wilks, most
kindly.

In the evening we attended the Bible meeting at "St."
Aubin's, and very lively, large, and apparently effective was the
meeting. The following day was one of considerable interest
and charm. We traversed the beautiful island in an open
carriage, till we came to Greve de Lecq, on the opposite coast,
where there are an exquisite bay, vast granite rocks, marine
caves, and other picturesque objects, with a neat little hotel.
Here we wandered by ourselves among the hills, and on the
shore ; and, after an early dinner, called on an old man
connected with Friends, living in one of the true Jersey
cottages ; a dark place, with walls of great thickness, but
clean, and replete with all the necessaries of life. The
veteran of about ninety years old, looked something like an
old Jacob -or Abraham; with a fine beard, clean, and innocent
as a child ; and much pleased to see us, but so deaf that no
words could be made to penetrate. We then proceeded to a
large Methodist chapel at "St." Ouen's, about the centre of
the island, whither crowds of country people were seen
flocking, and when we took our seats, the house soon became
very full. It was a French meeting, and I hope it was not
in vain that I was led to dwell on the several points of our

;et. 56.

RETURN HOME.

439

Lord's conversation with the woman of Samaria. The
attention of the people, who were as respectable, and as decent
in appearance and demeanour, as those in Guernsey, was very
great. It was late at night before we again found ourselves
at our hotel, in " St." Heliers. On fourth day we breakfasted
with the widow of Thomas Dumaresq, in the country ; a pious,
feeling, affectionate lady ; and we met two or three willing-
hearted friends at her house. There is, in Jersey, a remark-
ably open door for all such labours of love. We afterwards
finished our family visits. In the evening we had a noble
public meeting in a vast room at the Arsenal, usually employed
for drilling soldiers ; quite full, and truly favoured with that
cementing and quieting influence which we most value. The
gospel was, I trust, fully preached to that large, mixed
assembly.

We intended to leave the next morning, but the stormy
winds, dark clouds, and rain, clearly forbad. And it was well
we stayed, for it gave us the opportunity of holding a highly
satisfactory and animating anti-slavery meeting in the evening,
at the Temperance Hall ; in which I told my story of slavery
on the one hand, and liberty on the other. Such a meeting-
was greatly wanted ; as the whole population of these islands,
about 80,000, is now using slave-grown sugar, chiefly from
Porto Rico, which I know to be a land of deep abominations.
Great feeling was excited, and a committee formed. Thus
ended our work. The next day (sixth day, the 21st) we went
on board the Transit, Captain Goodridgc ; and after twenty-
one hours of steaming in quiet weather, but with the tossing
of a ground swell, reached Southampton on seventh day
•morning, in time for breakfast; tired, but thankful, I trust, to
be once more, and that comparatively for a permanence, in our
own beloved and happy land.

440

JOURNAL.

1844.

CHAPTER XLIV.
1844. jet. 56—57.

EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL J ILLNESS OF HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY J
LETTERS TO HER J LETTER TO A FRIEND ; ILLNESS OF SIR T. F.
BUXTON, AND LETTER TO HIM.

Earlham, dear old Earlham, 7th mo., 2nd, 1844. A great
favour, surely, to be writing my journal here once more, in
peace of mind, as well as fair bodily health.

The sudden death of dear William Backhouse, so soon after
being liberated by the Yearly Meeting fur his mission to Nor-
way ; and the subsequent total wreck, with all on board, of the
steamer from Hull to Hamburgh, in which their places had
been engaged, have filled us with serious feelings, and a mix-
ture of grief, wonder, and thankfulness. What can we say,
what ought we to say, under such circumstances, but " Thy
will, and not ours, be done?"

I may gratefully confess, that, notwithstanding a great
degree of mental poverty, with the heartfelt acknowledgment
that unto me belong shame and blushing, we are favoured with
sweet tranquillity and peace on our return home. Earlham is
lovely ; greener than we might have expected after the long
drought, and clad in flowers ; an earthly paradise for one who
knows that he deserves none of its comforts, and who feels in
some degree willing to resign any or all of them, should it be
the Lord's will.

1th mo., 8th. I have been comparing myself to a vessel
just returned from a voyage, and sent into dock to be
thoroughly cleansed and re-fitted ; a work of which, as I am
very sensible, I stand much in need. May I abide in patience
under the holy hand of Him who can alone truly qualify for

56.

JOURNAL.

441

his own service ! My lips have been sealed in the last four of
our meetings, not without a feeling of quietness and peace to
myself. I heartily desire to be preserved from giving to others
that which is given me only for my own edification. In the
meantime, I am ready to hope that our meeting is improving
in weight ; and not running down in point of numbers.

The subject of the City Mission has been closely before me ;
and on looking calmly at the system of its operations, I have
felt best satisfied, on the ground of our testimony to the
freedom and spirituality of the ministry of the gospel, to
decline subscribing to it. I strongly feel the desirableness of
maintaining a thorough consistency as a Friend; nor does
this course contract our hearts towards our fellow Christians ;
rather does it leave us at liberty to rejoice in the blessing
which rests on their conscientious efforts, even those in which
we cannot partake. Yet here faithfulness is not without
suffering, both from within and from without. In the mean-
time, our own lawful territory is spacious. May we be
enabled to occupy it with all diligence, and in the fear of the
Lord !

This day is appointed for the funeral of our truly beloved
and esteemed friend, Elizabeth Fry, of Plashet Cottage,* who
died in peace early last week. The loss of the Church, in her
removal, is far from inconsiderable, but for her, as we fully
believe, it is all gain. The Lord grant, reverently be it spoken,
that covetousness, worldliness, and selfishness, may never cheat
us out of our portion in the everlasting riches which are in
Christ !

His sister Elizabeth Fry's enfeebled state of
health, and the remarkable series of bereavements
which took place at this period in her family circle,f

* The sister of Joseph Fry. It will be recollected that she accom-
panied Joseph John Gurney and his sister in their visit to Ireland.

f See Memoir of the Life of Elizabeth Fry, by her daughters, vol.
ii, 445 — 448. Life by S. Corder, chap. xii.

442

LETTER TO ELIZABETH FRY.

1844.

could not fail to excite Joseph John Gurney's very
tender sympathy. The following is one of his
letters to her at this time : —

Norwich, 7th mo., 11th, 1S41.

My dearest Sister,

Though I do not like troubling thee to read
letters now thou art so poorly, yet I wish to express my very
tender sympathy, and that of my beloved wife, with thee,
under the bereavements with which thou and thy family have
been lately afflicted.

Dear Elizabeth Fry was at once dearly loved and highly
esteemed by many; and by few more than myself; but how
sweet is it to be fully assured that she rests in Jesus ; that all
to her is now rest, peace, joy, and glory ! How satisfactory is
the recollection of her consistent conduct, and faithful, evan-
gelical ministry, so practical, and to the point on all occasions !
And how quietly and firmly was she fixed on Christ, the Rock
of Ages ; who, in the midst of all our changes and sorrows, is
the "same yesterday, to-day, and for ever !"

I can easily understand the depression which such an event
must have occasioned thee, my dearest sister ; but I hope
thou wilt be of good cheer; and that the bright side of the
picture will be increasingly pleasant in thy view, and present
to thy soul. That thou mayest be strengthened and comforted
of the Lord, and preserved in perfect peace and safety, is the
ardent desire, and I trust, at times, the heartfelt prayer, of thy
ever-loving brother,

J. J. GlTRNEY.

1th mo., 22>rd. Continually do I bear my precious sister on
my mind. How remarkable is the long-continued pressure of
affliction upon her ! It seems as if she could not rise out of
it as in days of old ; and the consideration of her enfeebled
state, is often very affecting to my feelings. And yet there is
so much of sweetness and unbroken peace permitted her, and
given to all of us respecting her, that mourning would be
unseemly.

8th mo., 5th. I rose early, and have been roaming over

J3T. 57.

CONSOLATION IN AFFLICTION.

443

this sweet earthly paradise, for almost such does it appear this
lovely morning ; the sky is clear ; the air fresh ; the grass
sparkling with dew ; the flowers radiant. Well may we be
called upon to render to the Lord, "the calves of our lips;" or
may I not rather say, the "melody of our hearts."

How delightful have the Scriptures been to me of late
seasons ! I have been struck with the truthiness which is so
evident in their apparent contradictions. These are generally
capable of being easily reconciled ; but they do indeed mark
the genuineness and authenticity of the whole.

TO HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

Norwich, 9th mo., 24th, 1844.

MY TENDERLY BELOVED SlSTER,

In the uncertainty about your dear C ,

I have been almost unable to write to thee, but now that
anxiety respecting him seems to be somewhat lessened, I
hasten to express the deep interest which we have felt in thy
returning to Upton, and the comfort which we had in hearing
that the stormy waves which have been permitted to beat
against thee have not overwhelmed thee ; though I am sure
they must have been very afflicting and appalling.

It is evident that thy dear Master has been eminently
with thee, anointing and re-anointing thee for his service, and
lifting up thy head above the waters. Thou canst indeed set
thy seal to the declaration that " the Lord on high is mightier
than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of
the sea."

Remarkable have been the dispensations allotted of late to
the family circle ; requiring on all our parts deep resignation
of soul, in the full assurance that our Father in heaven doeth
all things well. In our solemn meeting, last first day after-
noon, I was led (I may say constrained) to quote the poet
Coleridge's last lines. How beautiful and expressive they are !
As they may afford thee some comfort, I will here quote them
once more : —

444

LETTER TO ELIZABETH FRY.

1844.

"An heir of heaven, henceforth I fear not death;
In Christ I live ; in Christ I draw the breath
Of the true life. Let earth, sea, sky,
Make war against me. On my breast I show
Their mighty Maker's seal. They vainly try
To end my life, who can but end its woe.
Is that a death-bed where the Christian lies ?
Yes, but not his — 'T is death itself there dies."

What peculiar peace there is in the recollection that all the
five beloved ones, younger and elder, who have lately been
taken, were, as we may humbly yet fully believe, "heirs of
heaven,'" so that we have nothing to do but to rejoice on their
account !

With regard to those who are left behind, we may rest
assured that one thing is certain, " The Lord will provide."
That He will richly supply all thy need, my dearest sister, I
cannot for a moment doubt. Mayest thou be enabled quietly
and joyfully to trust in Him !

9th mo., 8th. and his wife, and sweet children,

dined and lodged here on sixth day, and left us next morning.
I had some interesting conversation with him on the subject
of our Lord's second coming in glory ; which he thinks will
be, first, to reign on earth, and next to judge the world. I
think this view of unfulfilled prophecy, and expectation of the
personal reign of Christ, is fraught with many dangers ; as I
plainly told him. It diverts the attention, first, from Christ
crucified, and secondly, from the spiritual, unseen, but actual,
and all-important government of Christ, by his Spirit ; and it
aims a blow at the root of our exertions for the spread of the
gospel. I think I have marked these effects in some. It
appears to me, that the second visible coming of Christ, so often
declared in the New Testament, as to be matter rather of
doctrine, than prophecy, is emphatically and solely for the
final judgment of mankind. In the meantime his reign is alto-
gether* spiritual ; and happy are they who submit to it now,
and know it to be established in and over their own hearts.

<ET. 57.

JOURNAL.

445

9th mo., 15th. I am greatly pleased with Dr. Arnold's
Life and Letters. His mind was large, broad, and clear.
His notion of the required identity of State and Church, ap-
pears to me to amount to nothing more than the truth which
William Penn fully allowed, and acted on ; namely, that
national Christian governments ought to be conducted by true
Christians, and on truly Christian principles. Dr. Arnold
would, perhaps, go a step further, and consider it one duty of
a government so acting, to provide the means and opportunity
for divine worship to the whole population ; but then he would
do this on a comprehensive plan, opening the appointed place
of worship to all orthodox sects. He was evidently an
ardent lover of Christ.

9th mo., 21st. Much engaged in the course of this week
in reading the wondrous report of the Bible Society, and in
preparing our own Auxiliary Report, which I read to the
Committee last evening. It is truly a satisfaction and consola-
tion to know that such vast efforts are in progress in so many
different parts of the world. May the Lord bless and prosper
the work ! * * *

9th mo., 29th. We have passed an interesting week. On
third day evening the Temperance tea-drinking ; many respect-
able people there, about 1000. I took the chair at the meet-
ing, and was enabled to speak with some comfort to myself;
recommending charity, and adverting to the power of the mind
over the body, and of grace over both. Then followed our
Quarterly Meeting. In the meeting of ministers and elders on
fourth day evening, I had a few sentences for the consolation
of the solitary, the weary, and the sorrowful. The meeting on
fifth day morning was rather large, and a good time on the
whole. I spoke at some length in the early part of the meet-
ing, on the Christian's weapons : Truth in its fulness, produ-
cing in the mind the fear of God, and the love of the Father
and the Son ; forbearance, charity, exemplary conduct, faith ;
all to be used in the warfare of the Lamb. I was particularly
led to the subject of love and charity.

I feel some encouragement in the apprehension that the

446

JOURNAL.

1844.

silence of our meetings is increasingly deep and solemn.
May the Lord of life be with us for his mercy and his truth's
sake !

Fourth day morning. This is the day of the Bible Society
[meeting]. May the Sun of Righteousness graciously break
forth upon us, with both healing and cheering on his wings !
Never was this great cause more worthy of support, or more
deeply important, than at the present time.

10th mo., 21st. To-day the third anniversary of our happy
wedding day. A crowd of reflections rushes in on the retro-
spect of these three years. Our first happy few months,
bright and glowing, but with its needful mixture of trial. Our
journey to the West of England in the spring of 1842 ; my
illness during the latter part of the spring and summer ; public
meetings in Norfolk and Suffolk, &c. ; remarkable journey to
the north on the death of Jonathan Backhouse ; the publica-
tion of my little work on the Papal and Hierarchical system ;
our long journey in France, Switzerland, &c, in the spring and
summer of 1843 ; return home in the 9th month ; six months
at home, including our dearest Anna's marriage, and our
journeys to London and Darlington ; finishing and publishing
of Habit and Discipline ; second journey in France in the
spring of this year : visit to the Channel Islands ; peaceful four
months at home ; the dark Upton cloud now mercifully dis-
persed. Such is a brief recapitulation of our outward story.
The interior claims on my part two things. First, deep
humiliation before the Lord ; secondly, humble gratitude for
all his preservation and mercy ; for the continued privilege of
our being engaged in his service ; for the recovery of my health
in a great degree ; for the unspeakably precious gift of such a
partner, counsellor, and supporter in life, as my dearest wife.
May it please the Lord more and more to deepen and enlarge
that blessed spiritual union between us, which is destined, as
we humbly and reverently hope, to endure for ever !

In a letter to a Friend, also in the station of minis-
ter, written at this period, Joseph John Gurney

JET. 57.

LETTER TO A FRIEND.

447

freely expresses himself on several points of conside-
rable practical interest and importance. Keferring to
the commonly adopted application of the term Word
of God to the Holy Scriptures, he says : —

I am sure thou art aware that my objection to such an use
of the term is not grounded on any want of faith in the grand
and highly important truth, that "All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God;" a truth to which no religious body has
borne a clearer or more decided testimony than the Society
of Friends. In these days of popery and semi-popery, we
had need to be faithful in upholding this testimony, and in
asserting the essential difference, in point of authority, between
the sacred books of the Old and New Testament, and all the
traditions of men, whether written, or only handed down by
word of mouth.

But I object to the common technical use of the term
"the Word of God," as the name or title of the Bible, because
such a use of that name has the effect of excluding, or, at
least, ajypearing to exclude, all other communications to man-
kind. Now it is my firm conviction that God speaks to men,
that is, makes manifest his will, by the immediate influence
of his Holy Spirit; and that, as the Word of the Lord came
immediately to the prophets in the days of old, so it still
comes immediately to the soul of the Christian, to direct his
services, and to lead him in the path of his duty ; the written
words of the Lord in Scripture being at all times a test and
safeguard, because we are sure that nothing which contravenes
them can possibly be "of the Lord." I also think that this
use of the term excludes the preaching of the Gospel, which,
in primitive times, was often called the "Word of God," and
which might still be called so, were it more immediately under
the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Above all,
however, the habitual application of this name or title to the
Scriptures, and to the Scriptures alone, seems to me to have
a strong tendency to substitute them, as an object of reverence,
for the Saviour, who is himself emphatically and preeminently

448

LETTER ON THE USE OF

1844.

by title, character, and indefeasible right, the Word, the Word
of God, the one Mediator, through whom God creates, redeems,
and illuminates the children of men. Thus I would refrain
from calling the Scriptures the Word of God, as an emphatic
and exclusive title, just as I would from denominating them
the Bread of Life ; for, although they testify of those truths
which nourish and feed the soul, we must not forget that Christ
Himself, and Christ alone, is "the Bread of Life."

Another term or phrase which I do not greatly approve or
like, as I sometimes find it applied, is " Christ's finished work."
True, indeed, it is, that when our blessed Saviour was about to
expire, he cried out, "It is finished." The one all-sufficient
propitiatory sacrifice was then offered, and was on the very
point of being completed, so that thenceforth there was to be
no more sacrifice for sin. But the use often made of this
expression seems to me calculated to convey the idea that the
whole work and office of Christ was then finished ; whereas
the vast process of his resurrection, ascension, and advocacy
with the Father, and spiritual reign and government — the
whole forming a very large proportion of the Messiah's work —
was yet to be accomplished. More especially his baptizing,
sanctifying work, through the immediate influences of his
Spirit, is yet unfinished, in the church at large, and in us
individually. I think it requires care not to use the expression
in cpiestion so as to have such a bearing, and so as to convey
the idea that we can attain to the heavenly inheritance in
virtue of the one availing sacrifice for sin, (a sacrifice which is
indeed for ever finished,) Avithout the experience of that
cleansing operation of Christ's Spirit, by which alone the soul
is sanctified and prepared for the joys and services of a better
and holier world.

In general, I would observe that this needful process of
sanctification, and the doctrine of the guidance and govern-
ment of the Holy Spirit, is a branch of divine truth, which,
in the mind of the Christian, ought to be held in even balances
with the blessed truth, that Christ is the propitiation for our
sins ; and that his perfect righteousness is imputed to those
who livingly believe in him ; so that, with reference to their

JET. 57.

CERTAIN MODES OF EXPRESSION.

449

past transgressions, they are, in the fulness and freeness of
the mercy of God, dealt with as if they had never sinned.
The warmest and most reverential reception of this funda-
mental truth docs not, as I think, in the least degree, interfere
with the Christian's ecpially deep sense of the necessity of that
inward work which the Saviour has graciously begun in our
souls, but which, as we must with all humiliation acknowledge,
He has not yet finished.

I had a mind to make these remarks to thee, my dear friend,
in the apprehension, however, that if there is any difference
between us therein, it lies not in sentiment so much as in mode
of statement. Yet, clearly as I see the point in question, and
most painfully as I sometimes feel my own deficiencies, and sur-
viving seeds and roots of evil, I rather shrink from the confusion
which may sometimes be observed in the confessions respecting
themselves, and in the addresses to their brethren, of evangeli-
cal teachers. I mean the confusion between an unfinished
state of sanctification in truly converted people, and the actual
sinful condition of the unregenerate.

In point of fact, I think the testimony which was borne by
our early Friends, against the notion of " Sin for term of life,"
was thoroughly sound in principle ; and that it requires a
very reverent caution on our parts, lest, in the vivid sense
which is sometimes given us of the lingering corruptions of
our depraved hearts, we should convey to others the monstrous
idea, that true Christians must and do go on sinning, even
until death shall for ever terminate their appointed course of
trial and probation. Certainly I have no liking for the raw
and unseemly statements of the doctrine of perfection, which
sometimes fall from the lips of persons who are very far from
exemplifying their own sentiments. Yet I think it is our
duty, unflinchingly to uphold the practical standard — even
the standard of true perfection — which is presented to us in
Scripture — " What the law could not do, in that it was weak
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of
sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us

Vol. II. — 29

450

LETTER ON THE USE OP

1844.

who walk not after the flesh, but,after the spirit." When I
reflect on the place "which Friends have evidently been raised
up to occupy in the universal church, I consider it to be one of
their most marked and distinctive, though not peculiar duties,
to uphold this standard. Cause enough have we, both individu-
ally and collectively, to prostrate ourselves, in deep brokenness
of spirit, before the Lord — cause enough have we, from clay to
day, to recur to the Fountain in which alone we can be washed
from all our stains ; and yet I believe it to be for a good
purpose that we are, as a religious people, so much bound to
the principle set forth by another Apostle, — " Whosoever is
born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed remaineth in
him ; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."

If I am asked what I mean by " the Fountain in which
alone we can be washed from all our stains?" I answer,
without reserve and without difficulty — "the atoning blood of
Christ." No sooner does transgression in word, thought,
or deed, leave a stain upon our conscience, than Ave are left
in a hopeless condition without this remedy. Never was that
atonement more precious to my soul than at the present
time ; and I think it peculiarly important to fix it in the
mind, that the blood of Christ, frequently mentioned as it is
in Scripture, and which is to be sprinkled on the heart by
faith, is never so mentioned as to be capable of being itself
spiritualized. It is literally and truly the blood which was
shed on Calvary for the sins of the whole world, and which is
precisely tantamount to the Saviour's natural life, which was
offered up on the cross as a sacrifice, acceptable, well-pleasing
to God. According to the view of the Jews of old, the blood
of the sin-offering was the life thereof; and so it was, naturally
and truly, with the Incarnate Antitype — the man Christ
Jesus. In various passages of the New Testament which
speak of this blood — of our drinking it — of our being sprinkled
by it — of our washing our robes in it, &c, the metaphor lies,
as I apprehended, not in the "blood," but in the drinking,
sprinkling, washing, &c. Thus it is evident, that faith in the
blood of Jesus is equivalent to faith in the one great offering

mi. 57.

CERTAIN MODES OF EXPRESSION.

451

•which he has made on the cross, for the sins of all mankind ;
and by this faith, when it is heartfelt, living, and heaven-horn,
the penitent sinner is justified. His sins are forgiven, and he
finds peace with God. * * *

To pass on to a subject of a very different kind, but not
■without its measure of practical importance, I do not think
it quite true, as I have sometimes heard it stated, that an
adherence to our Christian testimony, to plainness in speech,
behaviour, and apparel, " is not to be confounded with the
cross which we have to bear as followers of Christ." Certainly
it is not the whole of that cross, but that it appertains to it,
and forms an important part of its holy discipline, in our own
experience, and that of our young people, I am fully persuaded.
It is to me a matter of unfeigned rejoicing when any of this
class are found faithful in undergoing these humiliations, and
thus make manifest, by that which is perceptible and audible,
their practical allegiance to the lowly Saviour. That it is a
useful mental discipline to them, I cannot doubt, as well as a
truly valuable defence, so far as it goes, from many of the
temptations of a vain and evil world. I am sure thou must
have often observed, that obedience to the blessed teaching of
the Spirit, in these matters, prepares the way for sacrifices and
services of a more important character. To me it is equally
evident, that many individuals who, after having once, upon
principle, adopted these restraints, have since abandoned them,
have thereby suffered material loss ; and, notwithstanding a
high profession of religion, are much more conformed in various
respects to the ivorld, than they would have been, had they
continued simple, consistent Friends. But I do not forget
that it is not my province to sit in judgment upon them. To
our own Master we must stand or fall.

There is one point remaining on which I wish to suggest a
thought or two. We have often talked on the subject of
missions, and, I trust, have a good understanding of each
other's views respecting them. Thou art so fully aware of
mine, that I have nothing more to say on the point itself,
except only, that while I believe it right for Friends faithfully

452 LETTER TO A FRIEND. 1844.

to occupy their own true ground in reference to missions, and
not to pass over it, I do heartily appreciate the zeal and
usefulness of many of our fellow-Christians in this matter,
and am truly willing to aid them in their efforts, so far as I
can do it without compromise of principle. But there is one
bearing of the subject on which I am inclined to make a few
remarks. It appears to me, that the surrender of our views
on the subject of ministry, which we make when we support
the system of ministration adopted by our fellow-Christians
of other denominations, however tempting and plausible the
occasions — may, if we are not careful, re-act on our own
functions as ministers of the Gospel, and may take off the
edge of our carefulness, not to run except we are sent, and
not to. speak in the name of the Lord, on any one occasion,
(whether in preaching or prayer,) without a sense of the
necessity laid upon us, and without the qualification of the
Lord's own anointing. These, I trust, may not be useless or
unacceptable watchwords from a weak yet loving friend and
brother, who desires to apply the word of instruction to him-
self rather than others. My desire and prayer, on my own
account and on thine, is that we may be enabled to fulfil our
stewardship with all faithfulness ; that in the exercise of our
ministry, we may move on safely under the guiding, con-
straining, preserving, and sustaining influences of the Holy
Spirit ; and that, being in all things conformed to the will of
our Father in heaven, we may know the " peace of God which
passeth all understanding," to "keep our hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus."

Seventh day, [10th mo., 26th.'] On fifth day morning,
came the right joyful intelligence of our darling Anna's being
the mother of a plump, healthy little boy. Great indeed was
the relief and pleasure afforded by this good news, and I
humbly trust a measure of reverent thankfulness is felt by us
all, towards our Father in heaven, for this fresh precious
cift. * * *

Notwithstanding all the blessings with which wo are sur-

JET. 57.

■JOURNAL.

453

rounded, deep lowness sometimes comes over me, especially in
the night or early morning.

Fourth day morning, 10th mo., oOth. When I speak of
"deep lowness," I do not wish to make too much of it. I do
not think, on reflection, that it is quite a correct description,
as I may gratefully acknowledge, that even in hours of de-
pression there is some true peace to be felt, and sometimes
that peace predominates and swells into a calm joy. I heartily
crave that my Christian faith may be daily strengthened ; that
I may come boldly to the throne of grace, as one who, through
infinite mercy, has experienced reconciliation with the Father
through the Son.

On second day morning we had a very interesting and satis-
factory meeting of theAthenasum Society, for which I was
enabled to lay the Christian foundation ; being fully persuaded,
that an acknowledgment of Christ is necessary as the ground,
whether more or less openly expressed, of all efforts for the
literary and intellectual improvement of mankind. In this
case, the parties to be served are the young shopmen of Nor-
wich, whose new evening hours of leisure want to be well
filled up.* May preservation and protection from above be
with this Institution !

11th mo., 18th. I enjoy my daily practice of reading either
the Greek or German Testament, as I pace about our ever-
charming garden, before the family reading. I trust some
little communion with the Lord is experienced on these
occasions. This morning I have been reading Ephesians i.
How wonderful are the depth and comprehensiveness of that
chapter ! How critical and unspeakably important the cpiestion,
whether I have the evidence in myself of being a partaker in
that election of grace which the apostle there sets forth ! Some
degree of peace and satisfaction is felt this morning, in the
good hope that it may be so. Blessed be our God and Father,
we have, weak and poor as we are, an advocate with Him.

* It may be explained, that the tradesmen in Norwich had
recently come to the resolution of closing their shops at an earlier
hour than was previously the custom.

454

JOURNAL.

1844.

11th mo., 19th. I sit down once more to face myself, my
own life and conversation as before the Lord, with a degree of
peace and tranquillity. This feeling is the more precious,
because I was to a considerable extent morbidly sensitive
yesterday. A variety of matters of minor importance ran
wrong with me, and I acted hastily on one or two occasions,
without looking all around before hand.

I have now corrected the last sheet of the second edition of
Habit and Discipline, which must soon wend its way into the
world. May it be blessed to many, without causing its poor,
weak author any pain !

The beloved Buxtons were here for a day and night, last
third day, a truly uniting time ; we feel very nearly with our
sister in the pain and sorrow of her dearest husband's weak
condition ; yet the feeling is, that nothing can harm them.

Our Monthly Meeting last week was satisfactorily attended,
and very harmonious. The Lord grant that all of us who are
united as Friends, in these parts, in the profession of spiritual
worship, may dwell near to the Spring of truth, love, and life •
and so experience the precious oneness, for which the Saviour
prayed on behalf of his church, and which God alone can
bestow.

Towards the close of the year, he spent a few-
weeks in the neighbourhoods of London and Dar-
lington ; where, as usual, he found many objects of
interest. Referring to a visit to one of the Collieries
near the latter place, he writes : —

11th mo., lGth. [We] held a useful, and, in the end, a
solemn meeting with the people. Education ; a library ; saving
money out of their wages ; total abstinence ; Scripture reading;
and the keeping of the Sabbath ; [were the subjects before us.]
Afterwards the gospel of Christ was plainly preached. I
have seldom known a day which has been more confirming
to me, as it regards the religious principles which are dear to

st. 57.

VISIT TO DARLINGTON.

455

us ; both the foundation of evangelical truth, and the super-
structure of spiritual worship.

Polam,* 12th mo., 17th. This morning we have had a
very interesting visit from Thomas Freeman, the African
Missionary, who superintends the twenty-one Wesleyan
Stations on the Gold Coast, and who has had so much
personal communication with the King of Ashantce, and
some with the Kings of Dahomey, and Accan ; the former a
desperate slave-trader, the latter the head of a considerable
nation in the Bight of Benin, much opposed to the slave-trade,
and of a city called Abbeo Kuta, containing nearly 50,000
inhabitants, and discovered by Freeman. It is a great work.
The Methodists have nearly 800 members in these stations,
and upwards of 500 children in the schools. I have pleasure
in subscribing to these schools, but I feel myself constrained
to keep to the simple Quaker ground in all these matters.
Surely it leaves us room enough ! Yet may the Lord bless all
his servants, under every name !

Fojirth day morning. We arc now come to our last day, as
far as we know, in this our pleasant allotment. Last evening
was held a temperance meeting at Friends' meeting-house, in
which I occupied an hour or more in a speech, or lecture, which
was well received, and yielded me a peaceful feeling. There
was evidently a seal of divine love and power over us on the
occasion ; a sure token, as I believe, that we are not out of
our place, or engaged in a business not acceptable to our Holy
Head.

This morning, divine visitation has been with us, as 1
believe. After the usual morning reading of the Scriptures,
,1 addressed the servants on the law of righteousness; and
after our own more private reading, during a very uncommon
solemnity, dear H. C. Backhouse addressed me in the language
of encouragement, to go on with all my heart, in the Lord's
service, as his will, however strange and unaccountable in the
view of man, may from time to time be made manifest;

* The residence of his relative, II. C. Backhouse, near Darlington.

456

LETTER.

1844

assuring me that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard those good
things, even that peace and happiness, which are laid up in
store for me (even for me !) on earth, and in its fulness, in
heaven. She afterwards commended us to the Lord, in a
brief, but expressive prayer. Thus, I humbly trust, our visit
to her will be blessed to our souls.

On his return home, he was deeply affected by
the intelligence of Sir T. F. Buxton's seriously
increased illness. In allusion to it, he writes in his
Journal : —

12th mo., 2%7'd. Nothing can be more desirable, more
child-like, in the best sense of the terms, than the £tate of his
mind. As compared with many others, he has indeed been
enabled to perform a noble day's work ; and now, living or
dying, he is, as we fully believe, in safety and at rest in Jesus.
Certainly my connection, and unfailing unity of purpose and
action with this endeared brother, have been a leading joy and
happiness, as well as interest in my life. I do not remember
that any cloud has ever arisen to intercept our entire harmony.
May the Lord, whom he has so long and so faithfully served,
be his portion for ever, saith my soul !

TO SIR THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON.

Earlham, 12th mo., 28th, 1844.

MY DEARLY BELOVED BROTHER,

" The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble,
the name of the God of Jacob defend thee ; send thee help
from his sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion ;
remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice ;
grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy
counsel."

I well remember pouring out some of the words of this
psalm to Wilbcrforce, just as he was about to drive off from
Lord Calthorpc's door ; and I afterwards learned that they

JET. 57.

TO SIB T. F. BUXTON.

457

were 'words in season, acceptable to his feelings, and applicable
to his need.

The same words sprang up in my heart for thee this
morning, as I was visiting thee mentally on thy bed of sickness ;
and while I feel an exquisite sympathy with thee, and thy
precious, ever-watchful wife, on account of thy illness, I do
rejoice in the persuasion that the Lord hath heard thee and
her in the day of trouble, and that he does, and will marvel-
lously help you, even by his ever-sustaining arm of love and
power, and the fresh daily sending forth unto you of his Holy
Spirit, the Comforter.

Thou hast, my dearest Fowell, been baptized again and
again with the baptism of suffering, both in bodily infirmity
and weakness, and anxiety and conflict of mind, for the sorrows
of the oppressed ones of the earth ; but he who knows the
heart, and who suffered for us, even to the death of the cross,
never has laid upon thee, and never will lay upon thee, more
than thou art able to bear, or more than is needful for the puri-
fication of thy soul, and the preparation of it for that unspeak-
able bliss, wherewith no sorrow or sickness is mingled.
Surely none of the blessed inhabitants of the glorified Zion
shall ever say, "I am sick." In the perfection of health, and
the fulness of peace, they are made partakers of those joys,
which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man
conceived.

Although thou hast been enabled to do a good and a blessed
day's work in thy day, sure I am that thou canst heartily
acknowledge thyself to be an unprofitable servant, and, like
Wilberforce, canst confess that thou hast no plea to make but
that of the publican, " God be merciful to me, a sinner !" And
truly the word "merciful" has its meaning with thee, as it had
with him ; for I well remember a saying of his, that mercy is
more than loving-kindness, it is loving-kindness towards those
who deserve punishment.

To be thus humbled before the Lord is a most blessed
experience, needful for us all, and one of the conditions of
true peace, solid happiness, and unclouded hope. But let not

458

LETTER TO SIR T. F. Bl'XTOX.

1844.

any feelings of discouragement get the better of either of you.
The Lord is on your side, He will help you. Because He is at
your right hand, you shall not be moved. Trust in Him at all
times, pour out your hearts before Him. The Saviour who
bore the thorn, the nail, the cross ; and whose inmost soul was
" exceeding sorrowful" when the sins of the whole world rested
upon Him, does, and ever will sympathize with his faithful fol-
lowers, and will, in his own good time and way, arise upon
them with " healing in his wings."

So fare thee well, my dearest Buxton. Grace, mercy, and
peace, be with thee and thine, now and for ever.

I am thy nearly attached brother,

J. J. GURNEY.

JET. 57.

JOURNAL.

459

CHAPTER XLV.
1845. jet. 57—58.

extracts from journal; death of sir t. f. buxton ; public
meeting on the endowment of maynooth ; letter to dr.
chalmers on the duty of christian churches in relation to
slavery; journey in scotland and the north of england;
death of elizabeth fry.

1st mo., ls£.,1845. The new year has set in, and finds me
quietly at home, and peaceful, I trust on good grounds, for I
can truly say, that my tranquillity is founded on the merits of
Jesus Christ. Yet I think that there is also in some measure,
the feeling of, "If our heart condemn us not, then have we
confidence toward God;" for I believe it has been my endea-
vour, during the past year, though not always successfully so,
to keep a conscience void of offence in the sight of God and
man. Yet perhaps I am presumptuous in saying so much.
The Lord only knows the depth of my infirmities.

On recovery from a slight attack of illness, lie
breathes forth his spirit in the following prayer: —

0 Lord, thou knowest my poverty, and none of my most
secret faults are hidden from thee. Suifer not thy poor
servant to be separated from thee, either by the craft or the
power of my soul's enemy. Bring my whole self, all that I
have and am, into conformity with thy blessed will. Cleanse
me from all iniquity. Raise my too often benumbed soul
into a nearer, clearer view — in faith, hope, and love — of the

400

LETTERS AND

1845.

heavenly inheritance. Breathe into me the spirit of prayer.
Give me to commune with thyself, 0 thou most glorious
Fountain of light and life, through our only Mediator and
Redeemer, Jesus Christ, to whom, with thee, be all praise and
thanksgiving, now and for ever.

1st mo., 27th. The meetings yesterday were, to my feelings,
very solemn and edifying. William Forster preached largely
in the morning on the Law of Righteousness: it was a moving,
heart-stirring appeal. In the afternoon I was engaged in vocal
prayer. After the meeting was over, I retired alone into the
little library room, and found vent for the tears of a broken
spirit, to my own relief and comfort.

TO TWO FRIENDS
(In the decline of life.)

Earlham, 2nd mo., 2nd, 1843.

My beloved Friends,

At the close of a quiet and solemn first day,
my heart turns towards you in Christian affection and friend-
ship. I believe you have both had your deep tribulations
since we last met. * * Thus it often happens, in the economy
of grace, that those who have made the most considerable
advances in the school of Christ, have the hardest lessons to
learn. But you know already, and will know more and more
perfectly, how to speak well of his name ; even of that blessed
name of Jesus, than which no other is given among men,
whereby they may be saved ! 0 the large and deep mean-
ing of that word saved ! "What tongue can tell it ? Surely
" eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into
the heart of man, what God hath prepared for them that love
him."

From the peaceful yet affecting account which we have this
day received of our mutually dear friend A. R. Barclay, we
are ready to conclude that if not already a partaker of this
inconceivable weight of glory, he is on the verge of it. Thus
one after another is plucked away out of our ranks, and we
are left to feel the depths of our poverty. But 0 how far

2ET. 57.

JOURNAL.

401

better to be removed from the church militant by the hand of
death, than to lose our part in it through unwatchfulness and
disobedience ! I feel well assured that this will never be the
case with either of you ; may it never, never be the case with
me ! Do we not know assuredly who it is, that is both able
and willing to keep us from falling ? * * *

Are there not brighter times in prospect for our down-
trodden religious Society, though some of us, with silvery
locks, may not live to witness them ? I believe there are ;
or at any rate, that those spiritual views which have long dis-
tinguished us as a body, will spread more and more among the
children of men.

In this sweet hope and expectation, I bid you farewell. My
dearest wife unites with me in very dear love to you both.
Grace, mercy, and peace, be with you and your children, and
your children's children, from God the Father, and our Lord
Jesus Christ.

In allusion to the republication, with his name for
the first time attached to it, of his work on the
Papal and Hierarchical System, he says, under date

2nd mo., 19th. The times are certainly portentous, marking,
as I think, very awfully, the increasing strength and volume
of the stream, which is bearing [many] back again into the
vortex of Popery. In the meantime, there can be no doubt,
that pure and vital truth is spreading ; and although our own
Society, which is the very opposite to Popery, is reduced and
somewhat scattered, the great principles which it professes are,
I hope, increasingly appreciated by not a few. It is in a
degree of faith, and with the apprehension of its being a sacri-
fice required of me, yet not without some fear of the battery
which it may bring upon me, that I now put forth my testi-
mony. May the blessing of the Lord God Almighty rest upon
it, for His truth's sake, and for His dear Son's sake !

Under the same date, referring to some efforts

402

NORWICH POOR.

1845.

on behalf of the population of Norwich, he
continues : —

I have had three committees to attend, of our new society
for the protection of young females ; some difficulties sur-
mounted, and some trouble endured. I have a little hope
that good may he done, as I think that we have had somewhat
of a divine sanction in the preparatory steps. Out of these
committees sprang several meetings, and a rendezvous of about
twenty-five gentlemen at breakfast, last second day, to discuss
the state of the manufacturing poor at Norwich. It was a
very interesting occasion. At the reading I selected many
passages respecting our duties to the poor, and was afterwards
engaged in prayer. The conversation after breakfast lasted
till one o'clock. The clear result is, that our labour market is
overstocked; the distress and immorality thereby occasioned
are terrible. The remedy is the lightening of that market, or
the sopping up of the surplus, by fresh manufacturing and
commercial enterprise ; (and I would also work at the other
end, by sending many young men away :) a committee was
appointed, and I hope good will be done ; at any rate, many
minds have been deeply interested.*

The following are his brief but touching memo-
randa of his last visit to his beloved brother-in-law,
Sir T. F. Buxton, whose health had been, for some
past, rapidly declining: —

2nd rno., 19th. Last week we were at Northrepps, from
third day to sixth ; and deeply interesting was it to be with
them, and to unite for a season in watching the sick, probably
the dying bed of our beloved and honoured brother. His
reduction of strength and tendency to torpor are great, but
we witnessed nothing which could fairly be called bodily suf-

* On this occasion Joseph John Gurney placed £1000 in the hands
of the committee, to be disposed of, under their superintendence, for
the benefit of the poor, in the way of providing employment, &c.

57.

ILLNESS OF SIR T. F. BUXTON.

463

fering ; and as to his mind, his sweetness, amiability, cheerful-
ness, and good humour, notwithstanding much of occasional
wandering, are really delightful ; especially as it is accompanied
by a lively sense of, and firm hold on, the love of God in Christ
Jesus. When his wife expressed her conviction that he had
this firm hold even on Christ himself, he answered, "Yes,
indeed, I have, unto eternal life." Many delightful little peeps
of this kind, of the Sun of Righteousness, through the clouds
of bodily infirmity, have been graciously bestowed. He was
much himself on sixth day morning, when we took our leave,
clasping my hand, and seeming to enjoy my standing by his
bed-side. I reminded him of the declaration, that — "eye hath
not seen, ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of
man to conceive the good things the Lord hath in store for
those that love Him," expressing my firm belief that these joys
were assuredly laid up for him — even for him. His whole soul
seemed to respond to me. This, probably, may be my last
interview with one whom I have greatly loved, esteemed, and
admired for nearly half a century ; and between whom and
myself there has never, as far as I remember, passed a single
cloud, and scarcely the shadow of one. I have the satisfaction
of knowing that I have uniformly encouraged him, and backed
him up in his great objects ; and near and dear has been our
affection for each other. We feel a true rest respecting him,
being assured that he is indeed safe in the holy hands of his
Lord, for time and eternity ; and many in generations yet to
come, shall call him blessed, for his works' sake.

We were favoured with a comfortable Sabbath last first day ;
but I have, at times, during the days which I have now in part
described, felt that I have much cause for a low view of my-
self; shall I say for self-abhorrence and humiliation before the
Lord?

Thus every door is shut, but one,
And that is mercy's door.
2nd mo., 22nd. Early on fifth day morning we received,
by a special messenger, the tidings of the death of our dearest
brother. He was seized with spasm on his breath, which
lasted for an hour or two, during which he was much engaged

464

DEATH OF SIR T. F. BUXTOX.

1845.

in prayer. For a time he was happily relieved, and then fell
asleep, to wake no more, sinking gradually, softly, and in the
end imperceptibly, into death ; gently dealt with to the last —
a death of perfect quietness and peace. So fell the forest oak,
but truly without a crash, never to be replaced in this world ;
for men in general are but saplings in comparison. "It is the
Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

Our dear friend Josiah Forster arrived by coach the same
morning, and we all went quietly to meeting together. It was,
I thought, a refreshing, sustaining time of reverent waiting on
the Lord and prayer ; something of that retirement of soul
which dearest Fowell himself used to call " divine silence."
After an early dinner, my dearest wife and I, and Anna
Forster, (the only survivor of that dear, delightful family,)
went to Northrepps. Our meeting was truly affecting; but
the grief into which we came was natural, and we spent a
comforting evening with them. In the course of a very pre-
cious family sitting, I was much engaged in thanksgiving and
prayer, recounting the characteristic points in the life and
experience of our beloved departed one.

We lodged at Northrepps Cottage ; and on sixth day morning
I wrote an account of all that we had witnessed in our two
visits, which I read to the assembled family ; and we left them
comforted, and returned home. Mournfulness was much my
portion in the night ; [yet] surely I ought to feel, at this time,
the force of the precept, — "In everything give thanks." May
I be enabled to do so, and to commend my soul to that gracious
and all-wise Creator, who will not, as I humbly believe, cast
me away from his presence, weak and unworthy as I am, or
take his Holy Spirit from me !

A few days after this event, Joseph John Gurney
penned the warm and affectionate tribute to the me-
mory of his deceased brother-in-law, which was subse-
quently published, and widely circulated.* The void
occasioned by his death was one not to be forgotten.

* See the Brief Memoir of Sir T. F. Buxton.

JET. 57.

JOURNAL.

465

2nd mo., 24th. Yesterday was to me a low calm. In the
afternoon meeting, near its close, I had to remark how vain
were our own attempts in affliction to comfort ourselves. Our
untutored efforts only leave us colder and more sorrowful
than before. But when the Lord gives us a taste of the
true rest, and a glimpse of the delightsome land where there
is no more sorrow, the soul is stayed on Him, and finds a sure
shelter. Somewhat of this blessed stayedness, this sweet
shelter, has, I hope, been experienced ; but in the night,
weakness prevailed. I have, indeed, lost a most faithful
friend, who has handed me many a cup of support and
encouragement. May I imitate his cheerful, playful spirit, so
far as the truth leads into it !

3rd mo., 24th. My dear sister Fry's visit has been very
satisfactory, and very sweet has it been to our feelings to
enjoy her company. Her infirmity is indeed great, and her
memory a little failing. Yet at times this infirmity subsides,
and she is much like her own dear and precious self. The
Lord's anointing is still upon her, and she has been well en-
gaged in our meeting, which is held at eleven o'clock, on her
account, and which she has attended two first day mornings in
succession. The preserving, sustaining hand of the Lord is
evidently with her. Dearest John and Anna's visit, with their
lovely boy, has been a pleasure and comfort. It is an unspeak-
able favour that they are so well, and every way flourishing.
The Lord bless and keep our precious grandchild, and sanctify
him from his earliest years, for His own use and service !

3rd mo.h 31sf. No small weakness of mind, with languor of
body, hangs about me to-day; but I must bear it quietly.
The weather is delicious, and we may repose, I trust, on the
bosom of divine love. May it please Thee, gracious Lord, to
deliver me from all corruption, from all the power of my
soul's enemy, from all the remains and vestiges of the king-
dom of darkness, and give me grace to follow the Lord Jesus,
in the obedience of faith, until I at length obtain the crown
of righteousness, which shall never fade away !

4th mo., 6th. I have been a good deal troubled, in read

Vol. II. — 30

4G6

JOURNAL.

1845.

ing the greater part of a work, lately published and rapidly
circulated, called " Vestiges of the Natural History of the
Creation." The author first describes the Nebular hypothesis ;
then the geological history of the earth's crust ; then the pro-
gressive development of organized creatures, vegetable and ani-
mal ; the latter series ending in man. He then discusses the
phenomena of mind, which he ascribes simply and solely to
material organism, under the agency of the electric fluid. The
brain, a galvanic battery ; thought, the mere effect of electri-
city. The system embraces the whole jargon of phrenology,
and utterly undermines all moral responsibility, and all that is
essential to the highest destinies of man. I had not finished
it before I discovered that there is no fear of God before the
eyes of the unknown author. I have since been greatly pleased
and relieved, by a perusal and re-perusal of an admirable letter
from Professor Sedgwick on the subject, addressed to Captain
Stanley. It is a masterly knocking to pieces of the whole
affair. Sedgwick, however, as well as Stanley, is a believer in
the Nebular Theory, to which I have myself no particular
objection. But it does not seem to flourish, under the grasp
of Lord Rosse's telescope, which has already resolved a large
proportion of the nebulae into stars.

I have been writing an answer to the question in the
Christian Observer, "What is Quakerism?" which the editor,
in his last number, promises to insert in his next. I have
ventured to assert that the Society, in various ways and
forms, has declared its faith in all the main doctrines of
sound Christianity which I have enumerated ; but that one
of these doctrines, viz., the guidance and government of the
Spirit, is held by us more extensively and exactly than by
many others ; and that on this ground we have been led to
abstain — First, from ceremonies and the notion of sacra-
mental efficacy in forms. Secondly, from a ministry ordained
by man. Thirdly, from the pecuniary remuneration of
ministers. Fourthly, from oaths. Fifthly, from war.
Sixthly, from worldly amusements, useless fashions in dress
and furniture, and corruptions in speech and behaviour.

MT. 57.

JOURNAL.

467

Thus I take Quakerism to be the religion of the New Testa-
ment, without addition, without diminution, and without com-
promise. I hope the paper may be accepted by others and by
our own people, in a friendly spirit ; and that it may, through
mercy, have a blessing on it.

4th mo., 14th. Our tenderly beloved sister Fry, with
Catherine and her servants, left our door a little before two
o'clock, for Runcton, in the feeling of peace, and with a
mutually happy retrospect of her endearing visit. She came
back from Northrepps last sixth day, and was remarkably well
that evening and yesterday evening, when Edward Edwards
and his daughter dined with us very pleasantly. We all
enjoyed the renewal of our old friendship. E. Edwards is
now in his eightieth year. Yesterday was really a favoured
sabbath. My dear sister was at the afternoon meeting, and
took a striking leave of us. I was also engaged in speaking
on "the rest which remaineth for the people of God." She
was very poorly on her return home ; but attended our
evening reading, and ministered acceptably to a very large
company. May she be brought on her way with peace and
safety !

The proposition of the late Sir Robert Peel's
Government, for substituting a permanent endow-
ment for the Grant which had been annually made by
Parliament for the support of the Roman Catholic
College of Maynooth in Ireland, was now claiming a
large share of public attention. As a staunch advo-
cate of civil and religious liberty, it was with pain
that Joseph John Gurney felt himself called upon to
take part in the movement against it. In his Journal
he thus explains his view : —

4th mo., 19th. I have accepted the chairmanship of a
meeting to be held, next week, of Protestants without dis-
tinction, to oppose the endowment of the Romish College of
Maynooth for educating the priesthood. The endowment is

468

PUBLIC MEETING ON THE

1845.

whiggish, popular, except with the religious public ; and
apparently politic as a matter of conciliation, which the body
of Papists in Ireland seem ready to accept : it is understood
to be the first step to the national paying of their ministers.
Cordially as I approve of civil and religious liberty, and of
the Roman Catholics being full partakers of it with others,
I consider that the proposed measure goes far beyond this line ;
and, in rendering it compulsory on Protestants to support an
ecclesiastical system which they disapprove, directly interferes
with their rights of conscience, and thus cramps and impairs
that fabric of freedom which it professes to promote. As I
could not voluntarily subscribe to such an institution, so I
cannot acquiesce in being taxed for the purpose, without an
open avowal that I object to it on principle. The subject is
to be taken up simply on the Protestant ground, without
arguing the objections which Dissenters entertain to all national
religious establishments, and which Friends entertain to all
seminaries for the purpose of educating the ministers of the
gospel. Without concealing my own sentiments as a Friend,
I feel myself to be at liberty to unite with Dissenters and
Churchmen in opposing the compulsory support of a principle
which lies at the root of Popery, and is surely taught in all
her institutions for ecclesiastical instruction ; and which is
now diffusing itself among many who do not at present call
themselves Roman Catholics. — I mean the addition to Scrip-
ture, as an authorized standard of doctrine and practice, of
uninspired written and oral tradition. Surely no worldly
policy, no complaisance and liberality, can justify us as a nation,
in taking an active part in the upholding of this principle,
fraught as it is with unutterable danger to the moral and reli-
gious welfare of mankind. I think this principle is firmly held
by the most educated and polished, as well as by the more
ignorant and vulgar of the Papists, and in bestowing a polished
education on the Irish Priests, we shall not in any degree dis-
lodge them from this, to them, articulus stantis aut cadentis
ecclesise ; but only add to the force and influence by which
they propagate it in the world.

4th mo., 21th. The meeting, anti-Maynooth, last fourth

MT. 57.

ENDOWMENT OF MAYNOOTH.

469

day evening, was very large ; about 3000 persons present, and
passed off well. I endeavoured to lay down the true order
of the meeting at the commencement, and all was afterwards
very fairly kept within its limits. We all united on the Pro-
testant ground, of the Bible and the Bible only, — not without
the Spirit ; but without the addition of human traditions.
Much may be said for the measure on the ground of policy, but
the religious objections must continue untouched and untangible.
First, the Quaker's objection to all human systems of education
for the ministry of the gospel. Secondly, the Nonconformist's
objection to all national endowments of particular forms of
religion. Thirdly, the Protestant's objection to the addition
of tradition to Scripture, as a ground of doctrine.

" Surely," says an eye-witness, " no one who was
present can forget the energy and earnestness of his
appeal, or the deep and absorbing interest with which
it was heard and responded to; still less can they
forget the marked solemnity which reigned, as he
concluded with the fervent desire that the banner of
the Lord might be over them, even the banner of love,
impressively repeating a few sentences on Christian
unity, from that book, for whose unmixed and sacred
records he had just been pleading." *

TO DR. CHALMERS,

(In reply to a letter of inquiry on several points connected with the question of
Slavery in the United States.)

Earlharn, 4th mo., 30th, 1845.

* * * So much for family histories. — Now for an
answer to thy inquiries. My mission to North America,
which continued three years, (including a few months spent
in the West Indies,) was distinctly of a religious nature — a
visit in the capacity of a minister of the gospel, to our own
Society in that land ; with the further object of holding

* The verses quoted were Psalm csxxiii, 1, 2.

470

LETTER ON THE DUTY OF CHRISTIAN

1845

meetings for divine worship with persons of other denomina-
tions. This ohject so absorbed both time and mind, that it
was out of my power to attend meetings of a simply philan-
thropic character, or to hold much communication with the
friends of the anti-slavery cause as such. My intercourse with
the Americans on this subject was almost entirely confined to
Friends ; except that, after my return from the West Indies,
I spent several days at Washington, for the express purpose
of explaining, to the members of the Government and of Con-
gress, the admirable effects of emancipation in the British
Colonies. All these communications were in private, and were
well received, both by slave-holders and by the citizens of the
Free States. Thus, my dear friend, thou wilt perceive that I
was so circumstanced in America as not to be exposed to any
interference on the part of the warm and zealous advocates of
abolition; and, with the exception of an article or two in a
Boston newspaper, complaining of my not taking a public and
more active part (which my circumstances rendered impossible),
I am not aware that anything was said or done by the Aboli-
tionists to molest or disturb me.

All that I could do in the meetings of Friends, to promote
that great cause, I did — the subject being frequently discussed
in their assemblies for discipline — and I also did my very best
with the rulers and legislators of the land. But further than
this, I had no opportunity of going ; and, had I attempted it,
it would have interfered immediately and most seriously with
my Gospel mission ; which was intended for the benefit of all,
whether they did or did not agree with me on the subject of
slavery.

In the course of my journey in the Southern States, and
more particularly in the Danish West Indies, I certainly did
meet with some slave-holders who appeared to me to be persons
of considerable piety ; but these were generally individuals,
who would have been extremely glad to escape from the system
with which they were connected, had they considered it to be
within their power. Generally speaking, it was very evident
that slavery operated most unfavourably both on religion and
morals.

mi. 57.

CHURCHES IX RELATION TO SLAVERY.

471

Friends in America have long been acting on the principle
that slave-holding disqualifies for membership in religious
society ; and they have never had cause to regret their
adoption of this principle. It appears to me most desirable
that it should be "adopted by other religious communities
in America. If it were so, the evil would soon cease ;
and in that case there is every reason to believe that
Christianity, as well as the cause of liberty and humanity,
would flourish much more abundantly than they do at
present.

I have just thrown before thee the state of the case as it
regards myself, and the views which I entertain of the right
course for religious bodies in reference to the subject; and
earnestly desire that thou mayest be enabled, in thy own
church, to promote the great cause of the abolition of slavei-y,
at the same time that you repudiate the interference of
others.

5th mo., 2nd.

I have retained my letter for a day or two, waiting the
leisure for making a small addition to it ; as I wish, with
every feeling of deference, somewhat further to explain my
own views on the subject in question. I must then confess
that I do not think it is out of the right province of the
Anti-Slavery Society, either in America or in England, to
watch the proceedings of churches, any more than those of
individuals, in reference to slavery. The progress of the cause
of abolition, which it is their business to do all in their power
to promote, (consistently with the rule of right, of course,)
so very much depends on the conduct of Christian bodies, as
,well as on that of statesmen and governments, that the Anti-
Slavery Committees would, in my opinion, be wanting in their
duty, did they not appeal to such bodies, as occasion may
require, in favour of their cause.

On this ground they have unceasingly urged on the several
denominations of Christians, in America, the propriety of
their adopting the principle on which Friends have so long
acted — namely, that no slave-holder should be accepted or

472 LETTER TO DR. CHALMERS. 1845.

retained as a member of the church. Provided that they keep
within the bounds of propriety and respect in their way of
doing it, I cannot think the Anti-Slavery body is at fault in
making their public appeal on this point to all the churches of
Christ.

Most true it is that no Christians can be required to " out-
run the light" of their own minds, on this or any other topic.
Light is indeed progressive, and time was when the Friends in
America held slaves like other people. But, in the present
day, the horrid abuses inseparable from the system of slavery
are so perfectly well known — for example, the cruel use of the
whip in the place of the wholesome stimulus of wages ; the
utter degradation of females ; the sale at auction of human
beings as if they had no souls, and were mere chattels, or at
most cattle ; and the consecment arbitrary separation of fami-
lies, and tearing asunder of the nearest ties of life — that I can-
not think any Christian professor can be regarded as excusable,
or fit for the brotherhood of the church, who voluntarily con-
tinues to take a part in the maintenance of so nefarious a
system.

To pursue the subject further — it does not appear to me
that we are at liberty, as Christians, to receive the sub-
scriptions of slave-holders towards the maintenance of our
respective churches; or indeed for any religious or philan-
thropic purpose, or, perhaps, I might rightly say, for any
purpose whatsoever. After much reflection I am brought to
this conclusion, on the simple ground that the money which
we receive from them is, to a considerable extent, and almost
of necessity, the price of blood ; and furthermore, can hardly
be considered in the divine sight to be their oivn, until the
wages, rightfully due to the poor labourers on their estates,
have been fully discharged.

I cannot doubt, my much-esteemed friend, that thou wilt
bear with me in having thus thrown my whole view on the
point at issue before thee. Shouldest thou, on further con-
sideration, be led to adopt the same view, it will be greatly to
the comfort of thy warm and steady friends, who well know

JET. 57.

JOURNAL.

47S

how to appreciate thy faithfulness and zeal in every good word
and work.

To return to his Journal : —

5th mo., 5th. My answer to the inquiry of the Christian
Observer, what is Quakerism ? is published in the present
number. I trust it is unexceptionable as a statement of doc-
trine ; but the long article of notes appended by the Editor,
is just about as offensive (not to me, whom he flatters, but to
our cause and system) as can be. Sometimes the enemy spits
fire and mud, through the medium of conscientious persons,
whose eyes he has succeeded in partially blinding. Such
things must be patiently and charitably borne. It is one of
the crosses which we have to take up and carry after Jesus.

5th mo., 9th. [In allusion to a communication in ministry ;]
I wish to draw instruction from all the ministry I hear — I do
desire to be effectually searched and cleansed ; and never to
forget that gifts, administrations, operations, are not only
various, but diverse ; yet only one Spirit, one Lord, one God,
who worketh all in all. In the mean time, may I be graciously
enabled to abide in the truth ; a living, fruitful branch in
Christ the Vine, more and more divested of self-love, self-
seeking, and undue self-indulgence ! Lord, perfect the work
in me for Jesus Christ's sake !

N. B. — Recipe for the ensuing Yearly Meeting. A quiet patient mind,
free from all anxieties; a cheerful spirit; a dwelling in the truth,
near to the fountain of the waters of life ; love to God and man ; a
watchful walking in the fear of the Lord ; a constant guard over the
lips, and a reverent, uninterrupted dependence on the great Head of .
the Church.

5th mo., l±th. Yesterday, John Henry and I attended the
funeral of my long-respected friend and Christian brother,
H. J. Balls, our head clerk. My last interview with him was
of a very satisfactory kind, as regarded his state of mind.
He seemed perfectly happy, rejoicing in the Lord, who had

474

YEARLY MEETING.

1845s

made with him "an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things,
and sure." John Alexander conducted the "service," at the
Old Independent Meeting-House. I went in with my hat on ;
quietly kept my seat until he had finished, and then rose and
bore my testimony to his truly Christian character. The large
assembly of his friends and neighbours seemed much affected.
He was buried in the " Rosary." There was a precious
solemnity to be felt at the grave. I was engaged beside it in
vocal thanksgiving and prayer.

After attending the Yearly Meeting in London, he
writes : —

6th mo., 14th. We left home on sixth day, 5th mo., lGth,
and met the usual warm welcome at Upton. Seventh day,
17th, Anti-slavery meeting at the Hall of Commerce, over
which I presided, and felt satisfaction in so doing. It was a
spirited occasion. William Knibb gave a sad detail of conti-
nued oppressions in Jamaica.

Second day, 19th, large and satisfactory meeting of minis-
ters and elders. Vast and respectable Temperance Meeting
in the evening, at Exeter Hall ; over which I presided, and at
which I spoke, harmlessly, I trust.

Third day, 5th mo., 20th. Dined pleasantly at Dr. Lush-
ington's, where we met Due de Broglie, Sir T. D. Ackland,
and the Bunsens. They seemed in good spirits about the
Anti-slave-trade Convention, which has since been completed
and signed ; the substance of it being the giving up of the
right of search, not of visit, between France and England ;
and the union of the two nations in blockading the western
coast of Africa, from Cape Verd, north, to lat. 16J south.
I could not myself take part in the system of armed
cruisers.

Fourth day, 5th mo., 21st. Comfortable commencement of
the Yearly Meeting; which lasted until seventh day, the 31st;
and may, I think, be described as large, lively, and harmonious.
The greatest point of interest was the concern of the Yearly
Meeting towards Indiana, in reference to the late Anti-slavery

JET. 57.

RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENTS.

475

separation there ; issuing in a deputation of several of out-
valued brethren to present an expostulatory address : — William
and Josiah Forster, George Stacey, John Allen, and Joseph
Bewley. I was on the sub-committee, appointed to prepare
this address ; and I never -witnessed a more remarkable un-
folding of religious exercise, than that by which these our
friends were gradually brought into harness. It was truly an
apostolic proceeding; and deeply solemn and affecting were the
large sittings of the Yearly Meeting, in which the concern was
fully settled, and the nomination accepted and confirmed.
These beloved brethren will indeed go forth with the hands of
the church upon them, and may the great Head of the Church
bless them in their work ! The meetings for worship at
Devonshire House were much crowded ; and were, on the
whole, highly-favoured times. I had some share of the work
in the latter meeting ; I humbly believe in deepening waters,
as I went forward.

During the summer, he was engaged, in company
with his wife, in an extended religious visit to Friends
and others in Scotland and the North of England.
They left home on the 3rd of the seventh month. He
soon afterwards wrote —

TO ELIZABETH FRY.

Manchester, 7th mo., 13th, 1S45.

My Beloved Sister,

I have been much wishing to write to thee to
tell thee of our progress, which has been hitherto very satis-
factory. Our first day at Liverpool was one of much interest
to us. Friends were warm and kind, and the public meeting
was larger than any known for some years past. On second
day Ave enjoyed a quiet journey to Llangollen, and lodged there
in the midst of delightful scenery, proceeding next day to
Colebrookdale. The valleys of the Dee and Severn are highly
beautiful. What a delightsome land do we live in ! 0 that
its inhabitants were more devoted to the service of that

476

JOURNEY IN THE

1845.

glorious Creator who has given so many of them all things
richly to enjoy !

Our two days at the Dale, including the General Meeting
for Wales, &c, were also satisfactory ; and we were again gra-
ciously favoured with evidence that we were in our right place.
Barnard Dickenson was our kind and hospitable entertainer.
On our return northward we held public meetings at Shrews-
bury and Chester — small but solemn ; G. and M. Crosfield
kindly coming to meet us at the latter place. We are now in
the midst of a truly exercising day at Manchester ; and, after
a morning meeting of an interesting kind, are looking towards
a public meeting this evening. My dearest wife is nearly
associated with me in the work, which is a great comfort and
strength. I greatly feel the weight of the engagement, but
consider it cause for much thankfulness that I am again per-
mitted to have a part in it.

His Journal, under date 9 tli mo., 12th, contains the
following rapid sketch of their subsequent engage-
ments : —

The remainder of the week, [after the first day at Man-
chester,] was spent in holding meetings in Lancashire. Third
day evening with the Egerton work-people. At Bolton, with
Friends, the next morning. A full public meeting at the
theatre at Preston, in the evening ; and with Friends again on
fifth day morning : a precious little church in that place. So
also at Lancaster ; where we had a peculiarly solemn public
meeting on fifth day evening, and with Friends on sixth day
morning.

Sixth day evening, comforting public meeting at the
beautiful Yealand ; entertained by William Waithman ;
called on the widow Ford, &c, &c. Seventh day
afternoon, meeting with William Waithman's work-people ;
and in the evening arrived at Isaac Braithwaite's, Kendal.
There we passed two interesting days, receiving abundant
kindness. The relic of our church there is larger than we
expected. The public meeting in the evening not very large

-st. 57.

NORTH OF ENGLAND.

477

but on the whole satisfactory — The resurrection of Christ, and
its consequences, much before me.

On third day, (Seventh mo., 22nd,) to Ulverstone. Dined
at Newby Bridge ; delicious view from the summit of a high
hill behind the inn. Windermere spread before us in her
glory. Well attended, and to me relieving, public meeting, at
Ulverstone. Visited Swarthmore Hall, the residence, [in former
days,] of an eminent servant of the Lord ; afterwards a good
meeting with Friends and others, in the old Meeting-house,
endowed by George Fox. How wonderfully are times changed !
that once large and persecuted society has left, in many places,
a poor, broken, and peeled remnant, and settled on its lees.
There are, however, a few exercised minds still belonging to
Swarthmore ; and surely we have more than a few in many
other places. Everywhere we may say where Friends yet con-
gregate, there is a living remnant. This is a mercy ; and the
hope of better and brighter things often arises.

On our way from Ulverstone to Ambleside, we drove along
the banks of Coniston water, a charming lake indeed ; and at
Hawkshead called on Hannah Bragg, a widow of ninety-four
years, I believe, clear in her understanding, and very sweet
and tender in spirit. Her husband, who lately died, is said to
have been the like ; a pair honoured for the truth's sake. We
find the Zachariahs, the Elizabeths, and Annas, of Scripture,
here and there amongst us, in what engravers call the vera
effigies. I do not think that a green old age is so conspicuous
under any other administration. Kindly received at John
Crosfield's lovely abode, near Ambleside, in which picturesque
village we held a solemn public meeting that evening.
Fifth day, happily spent amidst some of nature's fairest
scenes. Langdale pikes, Grasmere ; (0 what a peerless view
of it from the hill !) Rydal, William Ball's " Paradise of the
Lakes." After dinner, over a mountain pass to Patterdale,
where we lodged, after an evening drive along the delightful
banks of Ullswater. Called that day on William Wordsworth,
now the aged poet laureate, and had a good religious oppor-
tunity with him and his family, in which simple and sound

478

JOURNEY IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.

1845.

Christianity was declared, as we afterwards found, to his satis-
faction.*

On Sixth day, (7th mo., 25th,) early from Patterdale to the
Monthly Meeting at Colthouse, near Hawkshead ; a good
time with dear country Friends. Another call on Hannah
Bragg ; and then a heautiful drive to Keswick, where we held
a puhlic meeting, to our relief, in the Methodist meeting-house
late that evening. Seventh day morning spent in viewing
Borrowdale and Derwentwater ; the latter charming indeed.
After an early dinner, a long stage over the mountains, by
Buttermere and Crummock, to the secluded little inn at Scale
hill, where we lodged.

First day, (7th mo., 27th,) to Pardshaw meeting ; large and
very interesting. After an excellent puhlic meeting, lodged at
Greysouthen, the pleasant residence of J. W. and Mary Fletcher.
The following night we lodged at Broughton, after an excellent
public meeting there. Then followed a series of meetings with
Friends and the public, at Cockermouth, Whitehaven, Mary-
poi't, and Allonby ; and so, on seventh day, to Carlisle ; a truly
pleasant and substantially encouraging week. The Society
pretty strong and lively, and very friendly towards ourselves.
At Carlisle, dearest Anna and her husband and child, with our
sister Rachel Fowler, met us to our great comfort.

First day, (8th mo., 3rd) at Carlisle. Close ministry at
meeting in the morning ; good public one in the evening.
Second day ; held a comfortable, though not crowded, public
meeting at Scotby, in the evening. Much unity with Friends.
Third day, to Wigton ; the day satisfactorily spent at the
school ; a relieving public meeting in the evening ; return to
Carlisle, where we parted from the beloved Darlington party,

* Joseph John Gurney hesitated about calling on Wordsworth,
fearing his call might be deemed an intrusion; but was at last
constrained to make it, by a sense of religious duty. A gentleman
who saw the poet shortly afterwards, informed him that Wordsworth
had spoken gratefully of the visit, adding, with much warmth of
feeling, "And who am I, that a prophet should be sent to my dwell-
ing ?" — Note by E. P. Gurney.

jet. 57-58.

AND IN SCOTLAND.

479

and quietly posted off by Gretna, &c, to Beatock bridge, in
Scotland, where we found a quiet abode for the night. Fifth
day, at Moffat ; visit to the springs ; large public meeting in
the evening, much to our comfort. Seventh day, to Glasgow,
where we spent nearly three days. On first day, (8th mo.,
10th,) lively meeting with the little body of Friends in the
morning ; large public meeting in the City Hall, in the
evening. Spiritual Christianity openly declared. Second day,
visited the Bridewell ; pretty satisfactory ; interesting select
meeting with two ministers and one elder. Third day morning.
Two months' meeting, an excellent time. Fourth day, one of
quiet travelling and sweet scenery ; Callender, the Trosachs,
Loch Katrine, &c. ; then by a mountain defile to the exqui-
sitely pretty Killin, where we lodged. Nothing can be more
decent than the appearance of the country-people in all this
district. In every little town the free Kirk-house lifts its
head; rivalling its "residuary" opponent. The movement is a
wonderful one ; about 800 congregations ; a college ; endow-
ments for more than 600 ministers ; ,£750,000 already raised ;
<£150,000 more in progress, for manses. Chalmers calls it the
"Popular Endowment." An evidence of the power of the
voluntary principle, when ably worked. I trust it is for good ;
for the diffusion of evangelical truth ; and for the stirring up
of many. Yet there is some strife in it ; and much of the
highest church principle in claiming the support of the State,
without submitting to any of its interference. What a busy
bustler on this motley scene is man ; and what an awful
thought, that every individual has an immortal soul, to be
saved or lost for ever ! Lord, give us grace, we beseech thee,
to lay firm hold on the Saviour, and to walk watchfully in the
way of holiness — ever sowing to the Spirit, that we may of the
Spirit reap life everlasting ! * * *

First day, (8th mo., 17th,) at Aberdeen. Large and excel-
lent public meeting in the evening. Second day, General
Meeting ; lively and encouraging season ; Friends much
united. Third day, to Kinmuck ; a day of sunshine and pure
air, and pleasant communication with simple-hearted Friends ;

480

JOURNEY IN SCOTLAND.

1845.

and two satisfactory meetings. Blessed be the name of him
who pours forth of his holy oil, as, and when, he pleases !
Drank tea with Amos and Barbara Wigham ; the former
paralyzed, and a truly patient sufferer ; the latter his ever
assiduous nurse.

Fourth day returned to Aberdeen, and, after an early dinner,
journeyed to Brechin, where we lodged. Fifth day to Perth ;
large public meeting at the City Hall ; a good time. All
these large public meetings were preceded by very deep exer-
cise, and even painful baptism, which I believe corresponded
with the degree of divine favour graciously manifested in the
meetings themselves ; in which, as I humbly trust, I was ena-
bled to declare the whole truth as it is in Jesus. Sixth day,
pleasant journey by Loch Leven, crossing the Forth at Queens-
ferry, to Edinburgh, where we spent a truly agreeable three
days. On seventh day we called on Dr. Greville ; and on Dr.
Chalmers and his wife, in their new country-house. They
received us gladly, and truly pleasant it was to see him again.
His body and mind are yet vigorous, and he was as simple-
hearted, cordial, and joyous in spirit as ever ; full of the Free
Church, and full enough inclined, it may be, to triumph over
the " residuaries."

[After a first day "of much interest" at Edinburgh,] we
reached our quarters at Blackwell on fourth day afternoon,
before the return of the beloved master and mistress from
Shull. There we passed a few truly peaceful and pleasant days.

First day (8th mo., 31st) was spent at Newcastle, where a
public meeting had been appointed for the evening ; a very
satisfactory day, though deep lowness was my portion until the
evening meeting, which was inexpressibly relieving; the Salem
meeting-house being well and respectably filled on the occasion.
I trust I was enabled, in some good measure, to baptize the
hearers into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost.

On third day morning (9th mo., 2nd) we left Blackwell,
and travelled by railroad to Birmingham. There we spent
fourth day ; meeting with Friends in the morning ; very full,
and truly encouraging. In the evening, a meeting for

JET. 58. HOME ENGAGEMENTS. 481

worship with more than 2000 people, at John Angell James's
Chapel, [when] the last chapter of Revelation was much
before me. This meeting crowned and concluded our whole
service, and left us clear, without a feather's weight upon our
minds.* 0 how great is the compassion of Israel's shepherd
who went before us, throughout this journey, and was our rear-
ward : yea, was, and is, " our exceeding great reward !"

Earlham, 9th mo., 20th. We have received pleasant and
interesting calls from Samuel Wilberforce, Dean of West-
minster,! a^so from Sir T. D. and Lady Acldand and their
family. I called on Lord Lansdowne, at the Bishop's, and met
with a kind and cordial reception from him and the circle there
collected. It was the Musical Festival which drew them hither.
What a happiness it is, that we and ours, are sheltered from
this species of worldly amusement ! I cannot think that it is
right for any serious people to patronize displays of sacred
music, mixed up with balls and concerts, and uttered so gener-
ally by profane and ungodly lips.

9th mo., 29th. More than three weeks have now elapsed
since our return home. It has been a time of a good deal of
enjoyment, and fraught with some lively interests. At the
same time, it would be very satisfactory to my feelings, were
I more engaged, in my home life, in doing good to others.
Much peace is permitted in the retrospect of our late journey,
but a very indulgent life is now my portion ; and, from a

* Of this meeting John Angell James writes, in a note received
from him whilst these sheets were passing through the press: —
" We felt on that occasion, as we feel on some others, that there is a
bond of union between the true followers of Christ, which lies deeper
than that of denominational connexions, and which these, however
they may appear to separate us, cannot sever, and do not always dis-
turb. The sheep of Christ know the Shepherd's voice, through
whatever organ it may come to them ; and it was heard at that time,
when our friend spoke to us of justification by faith, too distinctly to
be misunderstood, and too impressively to be unheeded.

f Now Bishop of Oxford.

Vol. II:— 31

482

JOURNAL.

1845.

considerable degree of bodily infirmity and other circum-
stances I seem to be much more useless than a Christian
might desire to be. The great matter is, to dwell near in
spirit to Him, who is himself the spring of all good, and to
endeavour, in humility and watchfulness, to follow His counsel
in all things.

Soon after my return home, I had, in unison with some
others, to attend at the Mayor's office, in order to appeal to
the magistrates on behalf of our " Society for the Protection
of Young Females," against licensing public houses of
notoriously "ill fame." I hope some good effect may be
produced. It appears to me a dangerous doctrine that the
civil power ought never to interfere with the morals of the
community. Although the civil power cannot lawfully interfere
with conscience, in matters of religion, or so far meddle with
the concerns of the kingdom of Christ, as to establish or endow
a particular form of worship, it may surely be exerted, on the
most unrestricted principles of religious liberty, for the purpose
of maintaining the good order of society ; such an order as is
essential to the welfare of the subjects or citizens of the state,
individually and generally, whatever may be their creed. As
it is its business to punish, so much more is it within its
province to prevent crime ; and for this purpose it is bound to
protect and promote a healthy state of public morals, and to
put down all such nuisances as disorderly public houses, and
that odious traffic in vice, for which our large towns and cities
are so painfully notorious. In all such cases, the arm of the
law is exerted on the simple principle which lies at the founda-
tion of all civil government, namely, that the licentiousness of
individuals is not to be allowed to trench on the welfare and
good order of the whole community. There is nothing in this
principle, so far as I see, which can be perverted to the support
of the interference of Government with religion, or the mar-
riage of Church and State.

The year had been already marked in their circle
by a bereavement of no common order. They had

2ET. 58. DEATH OF HIS SISTER ELIZABETH FRY.

483

now to mourn the loss of another tenderly beloved
member of the family, with whom he had long been
accustomed to sympathize and labour.

10th mo., loth. We have just received the deeply affecting
account of our beloved sister Fry's having been attacked, last
seventh day afternoon, with pressure on the brain, which
appears to have continued until yesterday morning, producing
torpor, or perhaps insensibility, with difficulty of breathing.
The dear patient did not know those around her, except occa-
sionally for a moment, and did not appear to suffer pain ; but
the medical man evidently considered her end to be approachr
ing, unless something effectual could be done to relieve the
breathing. Overwhelming as this stroke would have been two
years ago, we are now mercifully enabled to receive it in great
quietness of mind. Her long-continued, and, of late, increasing
infirmity, though with very precious alternations of hope, and,
on her part, of great brightness, have gradually weaned us
from that close dependence on her, to which many of us were
prone ; and it is impossible to say how much of pain and diffi-
culty a prolonged state of increasing debility might have occa-
sioned her. Most dearly have I been bound to this beloved
sister, ever since I knew anything ; and our being brought into
the same religious course, has rendered that bond one of pecu-
liar intimacy and tenderness. What a favour it is, that peace
ia the mantle of my spirit, on the hearing of this intelligence,
in the delightful assurance that, whether she be in life or in
death, peace is everlastingly hers, through Jesus Christ our
Lord!

Third day morning. Our tenderly beloved sister appears
never to have recovered from her state of unconsciousness,
although the struggle of nature to the beholders was great.
She drew her last breath about four o'clock yesterday morning.
We are quiet under the blow, yet somewhat stunned.

484

HIS FEELINGS ON

1845.

CHAPTER XL VI.
1845—46. as. 58.

BRIEF MEMOIRS OF SIR T. F. BUXTON AND ELIZABETH FRY ; LETTER
TO SIR ROBERT PEEL ON THE DISTRESS AMONG THE NORWICH POOR;
CORRESPONDENCE ON THE OREGON QUESTION ; PERSONAL TRIALS ;
ATTENDS THE YEARLY MEETING FOR THE LAST TIME; LETTER TO
SIR ROBERT PEEL ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SLAVE-GROWN PRO-
DUCE; DECLARATION OF FAITH.

Largely as Joseph John Gurnej was thus again
called upon to partake of the cup of sorrow, it was
one mingled with mercy and abundant consolation.
But the loss of such a brother and sister wras one, in
this world, never to be supplied ; and it was not the
less felt amidst that quiet, confiding trust, and that
steady diligence in the performance of duty, which
seemed not obscurely to intimate that his own sepa-
ration from them was not to be long.

10th mo., 27th. It is almost impossible for me to describe
the last two weeks. We have deeply felt the blow ; and have
been closely occupied by the subject. The leisure of fourth,
fifth, and sixth days, was occupied in drawing up a sketch of
the dear departed one.

On seventh day, the 18th, we went by railroad to London,
and joined the Upton party at dinner. The following first
day was very interesting. The funeral on second day, at
Barking, was very large, and deeply solemn. I was led to

.j:t. 58.

his sister's decease.

485

pour forth my praises and prayers at the grave ; and a large
meeting was afterwards held to our satisfaction, under a tent.
The dinner, at Upton, was indicative of her own liberal
and impartial mind ; so many there, and so hospitably enter-
tained, and so thoroughly united in heart and feeling. Great
relief, and much peace, were felt at the close of the day.

On fourth day last Ave were favoured with a blessed parting
season, and returned home in peace. The newspaper con-
taining the sketch, sent off to about 400 people in different
parts of the world. May it be accepted in the Lord unto
edification !

Sixth day morning. We have enjoyed much of a feeling of
quietness and solemnity in our meetings ; some precious tokens,
I trust, that we are not forsaken. I am preparing the Memo-
rials of Fowell and my sister Fry for publication, and deeply
feel what a chasm their departure has produced. Surely we
shall never see their like again.

11th mo., 18th. Last second day to dinner, by the train,
came the Chevalier Bunsen and his lady, and stayed with us
until fourth day morning, when I accompanied them to
Blickling, on their way to Northrepps. Their visit was un-
commonly bright and pleasant, and I hope I have formed with
the Chevalier, a very valuable literary and Christian friend-
ship. * * * To-day I have been at home ; writing letters,
reading, and pondering many things in my heart. In the
multitude of my thoughts within me, 0 Lord, let thy comforts
delight my soul !

12th mo., 15th. These gaps in my journal, so full is my
mind, and so weak my memory, are difficult to fill up ; but
sure I am, that the ever-rolling stream of time is bringing me
nearer and nearer to eternity. May it through infinite mercy and
ever-flowing grace be more and more a happy, yea, a joyous
thought ! How important, yet how impossible without that
grace, to dwell in the meekness and purity of Christ, in the very
truth and power thereof! * * The decease of our truly
dear friend and relative, Ann Ilodgkin, induced us to go to
Tottenham, on fifth day in last week. There we continued

486

LETTER.

1845.

until first day afternoon ; being much with our dear and
deeply-stricken mourners; attending the funeral of George
Stacey's daughter Anna on sixth day afternoon, and that of
Ann Ilodgkin on seventh day morning. The two evening
re-unions were especially interesting ; and we found during
these several occasions some call to the exercise of the ministry.
Both the dear departed ones had given full evidence that they
died in the Lord. Not a single cloud was permitted to darken
their hope. On sixth day morning I had much satisfaction
in attending the Meeting for Sufferings ; and towards the
conclusion spoke, under some true anointing, I believe, on the
subject of war ; on the threatened war with America ; and on
the propriety of the Meeting for Sufferings being on the watch,
to come forward, if needful, on the side of peace.

The failure of the wheat harvest in many parts of
the kingdom, and the depressed state of trade, con-
curred in producing at this period great distress among
the poorer classes; especially in the manufacturing
districts. Joseph Johi^Gumey's deep sympathy was.
as usual, awakened by the sufferings of the poor at
Norwich; and he was induced, on their behalf, to
plead for a modification or suspension of the existing
duties on corn, in the following letter to the late Sir
Robert Peel, who was then, though unknown to
Joseph John Gurney, anxiously revolving, with the
other members of his Government, this important
question.

Earlham, 10th mo., 29th, 1845.

Sir Robert Peel, Bart.

I heartily hope I shall not be regarded as
taking an undue liberty in freely addressing thee on a subject
which I look upon as of vital importance to the poorer classes
of the people. With regard to their condition and prospects
in this part of the kingdom, I grieve to say my report must

JET. 58.

TO SIR ROBERT PEEL.

487

be a ver}r unfavourable one. There can be no doubt that the
wheat harvest in Norfolk has been far below the average; the
fears, which were previously entertained on the subject, having
been more than realized by the alarming deficiency in the
actual produce. The disease and failure of the potato crop
are also prevalent in our county to a distressing extent. But
it is more to the state of Norwich that I am anxious to solicit
a little of thy attention. Our manufacturing population,
which is very considerable, has, during the general prosperity,
been only very partially employed, and at a miserably inade-
quate rate of wages. Under these circumstances, it Mas with
great difficulty that we got through the last winter ; the state
of destitution was even then terrible, and the visitation of small-
pox, which followed in its train, and which was greatly increased
by the wretched state of the inhabitations, was fatal to a
large number. Since then we have had more employment, but
still at a very low rate of wages ; and now, as we are approach-
ing the winter, the manufacturers are again turning off their
hands. It is impossible to conceive what will become of the
poor, even at the present high price of bread ; and, should that
price continue to rise, which we have too much reason to ex-
pect, the consequences to the population of our city cannot fail
to be of the most deplorable and alarming character.

Such is the state of things amongst us, which, as
friends of the poor, we are anxious to submit to the wisdom
and care of a paternal government, and more especially of
Sir Robert Peel as the head of it. We are well aware of thy
great experience, and of thy sincere desire to promote the
welfare of the community ; and we therefore do not hesitate,
though with much respect and deference, to lay our case be-
fore thee. It is, to our apprehension, abundantly evident that
the operation of the sliding-scale of the Corn-law will not
afford the early and effective relief which the distresses of our
population so loudly demand ; especially during the present
season, when the average of prices is kept down far below the
practical reality by the low value of injured and unwholsome
samples. The boon, therefore, which we anxiously crave irre-

488

CORRESPONDENCE.

1845.

spectivcly of tne general question of the Corn-laws, and wholly
so of party politics, is the suspension of all import duties on
man's necessary food, and especially on bread-corn, during the
present affecting and alarming exigency.

I understand that a memorial from many of the more respect-
able citizens of Norwich, of all parties, to the effect now
mentioned, is likely to be presented to thee ; and I venture to
hope that in offering to thy notice this private explanation of
our circumstances, I shall not be regarded by thee as acting
improperly. Shouldst thou see it right to grant our petition,
I fully believe that the blessing of thousands who are ready to
perish will rest upon thee.

With earnest desire that divine wisdom and help may be
abundantly upon thee, in the prosecution of thy high and im-
portant functions, and with great respect,

I am, thy sincere friend and well-wisher,

J. J. GURNEY.

It Avas in the same spirit that he now entered
into a lengthened correspondence with another in-
fluential and distinguished individual, in reference
to the dispute which had arisen between the British
and American Governments with regard to the
Oregon Territory, and which seemed at one time to
endanger the harmony that had so long happily sub-
sisted between the two countries.

From this correspondence the following brief extract
may be here given : —

Earlham, 11th mo., 26th, 1845.

On my return from Lynn and Runcton last evening, I found
thy kind letter, which I could not, at so late an hour, answer
by return of post. On the Oregon question, I wish to quote,
imprimis, thy own excellent words, " England can afford not to
be offended, it can also afford to give way." Nothing can be
truer, and nothing more important, in its bearing on the present
question, than this statement. With her immense resources ;

JET. 58.

ON THE OREGON QUESTION.

489

with her high reputation, &c, this country is above the charge
either of inability or fear, and can most unquestionably afford
abundance of rational quietness, and kind condescension.
Allowing for a moment thy doctrine, that States being scriptu-
rally authorized, (authorized, I should say, by Him who is the
Author both of nature and revelation,) may lawfully make use
of war as a necessary defence, (thou art of course aware that
my principles against war go much further,) but, allowing this
as the general opinion of the nation, it is most evident that the
present case does not fall within the limits of this principle.
The war now projected in England, should the American
Government persevere in their unbending claim, could not be
regarded by any one as an act of necessary self-defence on the
part of this nation ; but only as the maintenance, by the force
of arms, of a point of honour so called. The chastisement
would fall, as is well observed by thee, on the innocent and
highly respectable part of the community; the citizens of New
England, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, &c, who are as
much averse to war as we are ourselves ; and who, generally
speaking, care as little for Oregon as we do. What possible
advantage could England derive from thus punishing the inno-
cent for the guilty ? If it be said that it would drive this
large portion of American citizens to insist on juster measures
with their own government, I would answer that no such end
would be produced. They have it not in their power to pre-
vail over the larger and more popular party — and they would
only be driven into feelings of revenge and hostility against
England, which would be the source of endless disquietude and
mischief.

Then, as to the point of honour, can anything be conceived
more unjustifiable than plunging these two great nations into
the unutterable horror and wickedness of such a war, on the
ground of punctilio ? If it is wicked in the duellist to shoot
his former friend and neighbour, and expose his own life to a
similar danger, merely because his honour, in the eye of the
world, is wounded, surely it is the very same wickedness, on
an immensely larger scale, for one nation to make war upon

490

INTERVIEW WITH LORD ABERDEEN.

1846.

another on any such ground. Think of sacrificing myriads of
lives, and sending myriads of souls unprepared into eternity,
merely because Great Britain imagines herself affronted !

Iii connection with this subject, Joseph John Gur-
ney, whilst in London, in the early part of the follow-
ing year, (1846,) accompanied a deputation to present
an address from the Society of Friends to the govern-
ment, earnestly praying for the preservation of peace.
Eeferring to this, he writes under date :-

2nd mo., 20th. The engagement which took deep hold of
me, in connection with the Meeting for Sufferings, was that of
addressing the government on the subject of the Oregon ques-
tion, and peace with America. * * * I waited on Sir Robert
Peel and Lord Aberdeen, with my brother Samuel, Peter
Bedford, Robert Forster, and several other Friends, and read
the address to them, which was evidently much felt. It was a
highly interesting occasion.

In a memorial subsequently addressed by Joseph
John Gurney to the Earl of Aberdeen, after minutely
discussing some of the minor details of the question,
he winds up with the following earnest appeal against
war under any circumstances : —

Should the American Government, after all, determine to
stand firmly upon the Florida treaty, and continue to assert
what they call their irrefragable claim to the whole of Oregon ;
should they, on this ground, refuse to agree to any further
concession (as they consider it) than that which was proposed
to the British Minister, at Washington, and rejected by him,
without reference to the Home Government ; should they,
under the pressure of a low and lawless democracy, be deaf to
the voice of reason and reconciliation, even beyond this point ;
shall Lord Aberdeen, on that account, deem himself to be
"forced" into a rupture with America? Shall he yield to

JET. 58.

I

"LOVE your enemies."

491

the absurd and dangerous dictates of our war-loving and
America-hating newspaper writers 1 Shall he exchange his
truly Christian and conciliating spirit — estimated and honoured
as it is by good men the world over — for the hurling forth of
the weapons of death and destruction ; for a war of which no
man could calculate the probable extent and duration ?
Under a feeling of the solemnity of the words, I would answer
from my very soul, God forbid ! The question of national
honour, even in its worldly phase, cannot surely be involved in
the more or less of the concession which we make for the sake
of peace ; in the more or less of the acres either of land or
water which we yield to the Americans for the sake of the
welfare of both nations, and for the happiness of the
world. * * *

It cannot be doubted but that these sentiments
found a response in the mind of' the distinguished
statesman to whom they were addressed. War was
on this occasion mercifully averted; and by slight
mutual concessions, these two great countries were
spared the enormous misery and guilt which it ever
brings in its train. Happy, indeed, will be the day
when, through the effectual working of the love of
Christ, both statesmen and people are brought to a
willingness, on all occasions, to act upon what, to
the Christian, must surely be the undeniable
axiom, that no necessity can relieve either indi-
viduals or nations from the obligations of that
highest of all allegiance which they owe unto Him
who hath said, " Love tour enemies."

Before once more recurring to his ordinary course
as traced in his Journal, it seems necessary here
briefly to advert to a subject which had for some

492

PERSONAL TRIALS. 1845.

time past, at intervals, occasioned Joseph John
Gurney considerable uneasiness. It will be recol-
lected that, during his visit to the United States, he
had met with some who appeared to labour under
misapprehensions respecting him and his writings.
By an unhappily mistaken process of reasoning and
criticism upon detached passages of his works ; such
as if applied to the writings of the early Friends,
to those of the first reformers, or even to the Holy
Scriptures themselves, would be found productive
of consequences which the lover of truth could not
fail to deplore ; an attempt had been made, with a
zeal worthy of a better cause, to prove that he was
opposed to those great principles of spiritual Christi-
anity, which have ever distinguished the Society of
Friends — principles which had been so long truly
dear to him, and for which he had sacrificed so
much. It is not the object of these pages to
enter into a detailed examination of Joseph John
Gurney's writings in reference to the points
alluded to. Nor indeed is any such examination
necessary. To the candid and unprejudiced; to
those who read them in the spirit in which they were
written, and with that simplicity of purpose in
which alone the truth can be perceived and appre-
hended; they will themselves furnish a sufficient
answer to the charge brought against them. That
amidst so much that is valuable, passages may
be found which are open to misconception, and
which, especially when isolated and detached from
the context, may be perhaps even justly liable
to some exception, is by no means improbable.
Such imperfections, shared as they are, in at least

JETU 58.

PERSONAL TRIALS.

493

a fully equal degree, by the works of the early
Friends, and by other writings of distinguished worth
and excellence, are, doubtless, permitted as salutary
lessons at once of the weakness of all inferior in-
strumentality, and of the high and peculiar sanction
divinely impressed upon the records of Holy Scrip-
ture, as the only volume that can be safely treated as
the standard of Christian doctrine.* And if even the
Epistles of an inspired Apostle, with the "other
Scriptures," have been from the very first wrested by
the " unteachable," and " unstable," need we be sur-
prised if writings of vastly inferior dignity and import-
ance are not privileged with exemption from similar
treatment? To be mis-interpreted by those whose
range of thought and experience is different from his
own ; to be supposed to hold opinions that he dislikes
or disapproves ; to be suspected of denying principles
that are truly clear to him; these must often be among
the trials which the Christian has to bear, and in
which he is called upon to follow in the footsteps of
his Divine Master, whose whole life was one continued
act of condescension to the ignorance and infirmity of
man.

The spirit in which Joseph John Gurncy was
enabled to bear a trial so painful as this was to his
natural feelings, will best appear from the incidental
allusions to it which occur in his letters and Journal
of this period.

* " For equalling our writings with Scripture," says Win. Penn,
in emphatic language, "we have no such expressions or thoughts."
(Works, vol. II., p. 800, fol. ed.) Cordially could Joseph John
Gurney respond to this declaration.

494

PERSONAL TRIALS.

1845.

TO PETER BEDFORD.

Earlham, 10th mo., 8th, 1845.

* * * I can truly say 1 passed through the meetings of
New York and New England with great comfort to myself,
being everywhere received with cordiality by Friends, with two
or three individual exceptions ; and I was not myself, by any
means, fully aware of the efforts made by one individual to
thwart the service : still less did I know the grounds on which
his own friends were dealing with him ; and when I last
attended the Yearly Meeting of New England, I received a full
returning certificate,* with what appeared to be the almost
undisturbed unanimity of a truly weighty and consistent body
of Friends.

Thou art also aware that since my return home, I have
twice been long engaged on the continent, for away from these
scenes of strife ; — and of later times have been generally per-
mitted a very quiet life at my own peaceful home. Thus I
can gratefully acknowledge that our dear Lord and Master has
graciously condescended to " compass me with his favour as
with a shield," and I should indeed be worthy of blame did I
distrust his loving-kindness for the future. Still, my beloved
friend, these things are trying and distressing, and I have, at
times, suffered much from them. But I do feel that it is safe
to lie low under the chastening hand of the Lord ; — and, next
to this, safe to be subject to my friends in humility and love.
If there is anything wrong in me, let it be corrected. I wish
not to strive. Of one thing I am sure ; that I love my friends,
and love the cause, and love the truth, as thou and I have
always held it, in all its parts. And may we ever be found on
the side of the Lord of truth, patiently waiting until He shall
be pleased to arise for our help, and to put a song of praise
into our mouths.

The following are from his Journal : —

* Granted by the Yearly Meeting at large.

JET. 58.

PERSONAL TRIALS.

495

12,th mo., 15t7i. I have requested to be furnished in
writing, with the passages excepted against, expressing my
intention of fully submitting them and myself to the judgment
therein, of the only duly authorized body ; the Morning
Meeting. Thus I hold nothing back from the Society,
and cast myself and my writings without reserve on the care
and judgment of the body. I can do no more. The cause is
precious to me ; and I desire to be preserved in true meekness,
humility, and love towards all, until this Sturm wind shall be
over-past.

12<A mo., 16th. I spent almost a sleepless night, not with-
out some deep tribulation of soul ; and much lowness and
weakness have been my portion this morning. I pray that I
may be enabled to maintain the whole blessed truth as it is in
Jesus, in the firmness, yet patience and meekness which are in
Christ. 0 for the "patience," the "long suffering," the
"firmness," the "meekness," the " purity," the " humility,"
of the saints !* Lord, I beseech thee, for thy dear Son's sake,
whose example I desire to follow, to bestow upon me these
precious graces.

In pursuance of the intention above expressed,
Joseph John Gurney addressed the following-
letter to the Editors of the Friend Newspaper,
which was published in that Journal in the first
month, 184G.

Earlham, near Norwich, 12th mo., 17th, 1S45.

* * * I should consider that I was travelling entirely out
'of my record, were I to attempt to answer the accusations

made against me by an individual who, in consequence of his
setting at defiance the good order established amongst us,
has been separated from the Society by his monthly meeting ;
and whose disownment has since been confirmed by the solid

* The words within quotation marks are in Greek in the original.

496

PERSONAL TRIALS.

1845.

and deliberate judgment of the Yearly Meeting, of 'which he
was a member. In fact, I have never felt at liberty even to
look into his book ; having long had reason to believe that he
was indulging a wrong spirit, and having often witnessed the
verification of the old proverb — " Whoso toucheth pitch, shall
be defiled thereby." *

Since, however, his numerous charges against me have been
read by many, I think it right to say that if any Friend of
weight and consistency will furnish me, in writing, with such
passages from my works as he or she may consider unsatisfac-
tory, (duly signed of course,) although, I believe, there is
nothing in my writings at variance with the truth as it has
always been professed by Friends, yet I should consider it my
duty to take an early opportunity of laying such communica-
tion before the Morning Meeting in London; the body which,
according to our wholesome system of discipline, is constitu-
tionally authorized to judge of such matters.

Should any of the passages objected to occur in the works
which have already passed that meeting, I cannot doubt that
the Friends belonging to it will deem it right again to sift
those particular passages ; and that they will not hesitate to
examine whether those selected from my other works, (which,
being of a general nature, were not within the province of the
morning meeting,) are, or are not, consistent with the acknow-
ledged principles of our religious Society.

In case of that meeting's not being satisfied with the expla-
nations which I may be enabled to offer of the passages thus
submitted to their consideration, it is my full intention to
modify them, strike them out, or even publicly renounce them,
in whole or in part, as the meeting may think proper to advise.

In expressing this intention, I wish it to be clearly under-
stood that my sentiments on essential points, are in no degree
changed since the date even of my earliest publications ; and
nothing, I trust, would induce me to sacrifice one particle of
" the truth as it is in Jesus," to please or satisfy any man or

Eccles. xiii., 1.

JET. 58.

PERSONAL TRIALS.

497

body of men whatsoever. But I am fully convinced that our
Friends of the Morning Meeting are as much attached both to
the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and to the distin-
guishing views and practices of Friends, as I am myself; and
I have a deep consciousness of my own weakness and fallibility.
It certainly cannot be said of my writings, (or perhaps of those
of any other man who has written since the days of the apos-
tles,) that there are not passages in them which might be im-
proved, simplified, corrected, or even entirely omitted, with
advantage to the reader, as confusing, to some minds, at least,
the sense which they were intended to convey.

I make this proposal, as I trust, in the spirit of submission
and brotherly love ; and in the earnest desire to promote that
harmony and unity amongst us, which it is one of the most
subtle and cruel devices of the enemy of souls to break and
destroy.

In allusion to the same subject, he subsequently
writes in his Journal : —

3rd mo., 25th, 1846. I can truly say, I have done my best,
my very best ; my all, my very all ; and now I think I can
quietly leave it to Him whom we all call Master. May I serve
Him better and more entirely than I have yet done ; though I
know it must be in weakness; and may none of these storms
and jealousies throw me off my guard in the meekness and
patience of Christ, or in the least divert my attention from
daily duty, and the diligent working out of the everlasting
salvation of my poor unworthy soul ! I have prayed for peace
among the nations, peace in our Society, and peace in the deep
interior of my own spirit ; a blessing which I do in a good
degree already enjoy ; but to which I have not the slightest
pretensions, except in the abundant mercy of God in Christ
Jesus. May it abound in us more and more ; with joy in the
Holy Ghost, and a truly thankful heart to the Father and
Fountain of all our mercies !

2nd mo., 20th. Returned yesterday from London, having

Vol. II. — 32

498

JOURNAL.

1846.

been exactly six weeks from our happy home. In the course
of these six interesting weeks, we have had much sweet enjoy-
ment in the company of our beloved relatives and friends; two
days at Heath very pleasantly, then full two weeks at Black-
well, and a few days at Polam, in near fellowship and most
pleasant intercourse with their respective dear inhabitants.
Afterwards, on our journey home, with our friends at Hudders-
ficld, Leeds, Bradford, Brighouse, and Sheffield, and last, but
not least, with James Montgomery, the Christian poet, who
seems to be ripening for eternity. Then thirteen days at
Upton, where many engagements awaited me.

I have to record as special mercies, the truly satisfactory
position and condition of our darling Anna with her husband
and babe ; the flowing of love and unity towards us from
Friends, wherever our lot was cast ; the pouring forth of the
Lord's anointing on me, his poor weak servant, on several
rather memorable occasions; and the solemnity which prevailed
at almost every meeting which we attended. * * * * Surely
it is not too much to say, that the dear Master was remarkably
with us on these occasions ; showing us tokens for good, and
giving us a banner to be displayed for his truth; yet the crea-
ture, truly, has had nothing to glory in. The language has
been deeply felt, "Be thou exalted, 0 God, above the heavens,
and let thy glory be above all the earth."

TO HIS DAUGHTER.

Earlham, 4th mo., 3rd, 1846.

* * * Enough for us, that where Christ is in glory, there
will be his followers, who are now struggling on in the Church
militant ; there are his saints who are already gathered from
this passing scene to things invisible and eternal. Think of
dearest aunt Fry with us at this time last year ; so decrepid, so
oppressed, and yet so lively in the truth ; now for ever released
from the burden of the flesh ; for with her it did indeed become
a sore burden. How gladsome, how easy, how tranquil, how
joyous, her present condition !

Zrd mo., 28i/j. The General Quarterly Meeting larger than

JET. 58.

JOURNAL.

499

usual, and to me a truly edifying time. It was on the whole
to me, and I believe to many others, a time of solid encou-
ragement ; some fresh evidence graciously bestowed, that Ave as
a people, (despised though our profession be,) are following no
cunningly devised fables.

Yesterday was spent quietly aj home. Cordelia Bayes and
Mary Browne came to a luncheon dinner. Cordelia told us
that a cheerful heart is the fruit of a thankful spirit. I was
pleased with the remark, not having before put cause and con-
sequence together in the same way. May I experience this
truth more and more !

\th mo., 9th. My history this week is that of a weakling,
with but little exception ; languid days and restless nights ;
so that I seem reduced to the do-nothing, be-nothing state.
This may be the very best for a season. I am, however,
bringing my temporal affairs into a satisfactory arrangement,
which yields me somewhat of peace. I want to get them so
square, as to my will, &c, &c, as to have no more thought
about them while I live. We have finished D'Aubigne's last
volume, which we have read with great pleasure ; the latter
part contains a most striking evidence of the folly and wicked-
ness of using the armed power of man in the combats of
Christianity. Zwingle died miserably in the battle-field ; the
peaceable iEcolampadius happily in his bed !

Yesterday afternoon, we met dear John Henry and Mary at
Easton,* only four miles and a-half, I think, from our door ;
and entirely to our taste, as a residence for them ; the country
lovely. When I was drinking of the remarkably pure water of
their well, a prayer was raised in my heart that the waters of
life might flow abundantly for them. Grant it, 0 Lord, for thy
mercy and for thy truth's sake !

4th mo., 25th. Again I say — what have I to record?
Much of my own utter weakness and poverty in spirituals ;
and much of the goodness and loving-kindness of the Lord,
who still most graciously and undeservedly encompasses me
with mercies ; to which I may add a quieter and easier state

* The residence of his son who had been recently married.

500

JOU RNAL.

1846.

of mind than is sometimes my portion. * * An admirable
meeting last sixth day, on Capital Punishment, suggested by
the late sad execution ; ending -with a petition to the House
of Commons : also an excellent meeting of the Auxiliary Peace
Society, last fourth day, over which I presided ; including an
address to Norwich in Amereca, which I trust will do good.
Our own meetings have been comfortable ; some of them
eminently so ; especially last fifth day, when the ministry
flowed in a quiet stream. " As ye have therefore received
Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him."

Fourth mo., 26th. Under confinement for a cold on the
chest through the day, with my dearest wife for my nurse and
companion. We sat together in sweet silence, both morning
and afternoon. In the morning, prayer was vocally offered
to our mutual refreshment. Besides the Scriptures, Bonar's
Night of Weeping, Daniel Wheeler, and William Dewsbury
have been our companions. We relish nothing so well, next to
Scripture, as the Journals of Friends.

Third day morning. Still a prisoner at home, expecting,
however, to be abroad again to-morrow. I am ready to hope
this time of quiet secession may be of use to me. My state is
not a high one ; much of self-loathing, accompanied by some
degree of disquietude, lest I should not, after all, be truly the
child of grace. Yet a good hope dwells with me, and I think
I now and then hear the still small voice which speaks peace
to the soul. Truly, I am nothing ; Christ is all.

TO ANDREW BRANDRAM.

Earlham, 5th mo., 4th, 1S46.

I should much have enjoyed attending the ensuing Anni-
versary Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society,
but as I cannot do this with convenience, I send a donation
of ,£100 to the Parent Society, being thoroughly persuaded
that for the three great evils of the present day, superstition,
infidelity, and crime, no better remedy can be found than the
universal diffusion of the Holy Scriptures in all languages, and
without note or comment.

JET. 58.

JOURNAL.

501

In prosecuting this great and noble object, may the friends
of simple Christian truth, of every denomination, be encouraged
by a renewed sense of divine favour, and may the safe and
harmless principle of co-operation without compromise, be more
and more accompanied in the blessed work of the Bible Society
by " the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace !"

Sixth day morning, [pth mo., 8th.'] Poorliness continued ;
so that I did not attend the Ladies' Branch Bible Society, at
the Gildencroft, rather to my dissatisfaction ; but I sent a
letter and a donation ; being much bound in spirit to the cause.
I am remarkably divested now of concerns or object of any
kind ; and should it be the will of my heavenly Father to take
me hence to a now unseen state of being, I humbly trust that
I may be favoured with some peaceful assurance that all is
well : if so, it is surely all of mercy ; I have nothing to hold
by, besides this ; and seldom have I had a clearer view of my
own weakness, and thorough unfitness in myself, or on the
score of my own works, for the bar of perfect discernment and
righteous judgment. But there is a feeling of the vast broad
wing of loving-kindness, and unmerited mercy, still spread over
me. I write in this strain, not from any alarm occasioned by
my present lowish state of health, but rather from a feeling
of being brought to a pause in the current of life, without
much prospect of its being preparatory to any particular
service.

In the Yearly Meeting, at which he was present
in usual course, a few days later, an opportunity
occurred for the disclosure of some of his views and
feelings in regard to his own position as an author
amongst Friends. It was an occasion of deep interest
to many present ; one which the event has rendered
the more impressive, this Yearly Meeting being the
last which he lived to attend.

"I spoke calmly and openly," he writes, "respecting my

502

JOURNAL.

1846.

own standing as an author ; declaring that for thirty-three
years since my convinceraent, I had endeavoured faithfully and
steadily to uphold the principles and testimonies of Friends, as
held from our first rise to the present day ; that, to the best
of my knowledge and belief, I had never penned a single
sentence opposed to those principles ; but, knowing my own
weakness, and taking into view the differences in modes of
expression, &c, I was quite willing to correct any passage in
my works that any Friend might point out to me, so far as
truth and propriety might demand it. I explained my ground
of action respecting the Morning Meeting, showing that I had
acted as a faithful member of the Society, and according to its
rules, which require that any works relating to the principles
of Friends, should be submitted thereto. At the same time I
stated that, should it be the judgment of the society to extend
the rule farther, viz., to all works on religion, I, for one, was
quite prepared to comply with it. I spoke on the true ground
of Christian unity ; and I trust that a measure of divine
anointing accompanied the communication."

6th mo., 7th. We returned home in peace and health, last
sixth day evening. Our sabbath yesterday was restful and
serious. Towards the close of the afternoon meeting, I spoke
a few sentences on — "Watch ye, therefore, and pray always,
that ye may be counted worthy to escape all these things,
and to stand before the Son of Man." May this watchful-
ness, this always praying, be mine ! We feel tranquil, happy,
and hopeful.

TO THE BISHOP OF CALCUTTA,
(Then on a visit to this country.)

Norwich, 6th mo., 6th, 1846.

Though thy son kindly engaged to convey a message of my
Christian love to thee, and of my regret at having missed
thee, I am best satisfied to write thee a few lines to tell thee
that I was grievously disappointed, on calling at the Vicarage
last second day morning, to find the beloved and honoured
Bishop of Calcutta flown. I had not given him credit for

jet. 58.

LETTERS.

503

enough of remaining youthful vigour to steal away at seven,
o'clock in the morning. I have dwelt much with regard to
thee, my dear and valued friend, on the words of Paul,
'•Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may
finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have
received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace
of God." These words, I doubt not, express the genuine feel-
ings of thy heart, in the prospect of returning to India ; and
warmly do I desire that the Lord's presence may go with thee
by land and by sea, through many a difficulty, and many a
conflict, and may finally give thee rest.

0 that glorious rest from all sorrow, and from all sin ; from
all infidelity and all superstition; from all discord, disputation,
and division, on the bosom of the Lord Jesus, and in the pre-
sence of his glorified saints ! I do believe, my dear friend, it
will be thine, in due season ; and may thy unworthy friend,
through the unutterable riches of divine love and mercy in
Christ Jesus, be also a partaker in it !

True to the principles which he had ever advo-
cated on the subjects of slavery and the slave trade,
he looked with great apprehension on the effort
that was now renewed in Parliament (upon the some-
what inconsistent plea of free trade) to abolish the
differential duties upon the slave-grown produce of
Cuba and the Brazils. On this subject he addressed
the following letter

TO SIR ROBERT PEEL.

Earlham, Norwich, 6th mo., 15th, 1846.

Respected Friend,

Fully aware as I am that I am taking no small
liberty in writing to thee as Prime Minister in the midst of
thy many and important avocations, I feel impelled to say
that the Government has the warm approbation and support
of every true friend to Africa and her afflicted children and

504

to sin uo;::;i:t peel.

1846.

descendants ; of every consistent supporter of the anti-slavery
cause, in its declared intention of continuing the prohibitory
duties on the sugars of Cuba and Brazil. It must surely be
evident to every candid and reflecting person, that the opening
of our ports to those sugars cannot fail to add a vast stimulus
to the African slave trade, with all its horrors and abomina-
tions ; such a stimulus as must countervail, and perhaps,
utterly nullify, all the efforts which the British Government is
now making for the suppression of that hateful and murderous
traffic. Heartily agreeing with the Government in its noble
advocacy of the general principle of free trade, the friends of
Africa and of the slave everywhere cannot but deeply feel that
this general principle ought to be subject to the limitations
of humanit}', mercy, justice, and true Christian morality, in
all its branches. Nor can it be denied that these will be con-
spicuously sacrificed at the shrine of a merely worldly policy,
if Ave open our ports to sugars which unquestionably represent
a corresponding amount of rapine, robbery, bloodshed, and
murder. In using these terms, I have especial reference to the
African slave trade, on which the sugar-growing of Cuba and
the Brazils at present depends. I am aware that the same
objection applies, in a subordinate degree, to the slave produc-
tion of North America ; and deeply do the friends of the anti-
slavery cause lament that riveting of the bonds of American
slavery, and that extension of the system, which have been
and continue to be, the results of our ready admission of the
slave-grown cottons of the United States. Nevertheless, we
are aware that the case of Cuba and the Brazils is very much
stronger, as involving, not only the support of slavery, but the
maintenance, encouragement, and certain increase of the Afri-
can slave trade itself, against which the British nation and
Government are pledged by a long course of profession and
action, and by the most sacred principles of honour, as well as
justice and mercy.

What could be more preposterous than our pulling down with
one hand the whole system of national influence and interference
against the slave trade which we have been raising with the
other? * * *

T

jET. 58. ON THE SUGAR DUTIES. 505

I trust thou wilt kindly allow me now to advert to the other
branch of the subject, and to say with how much satisfaction
we should hail the entire extinction of the differential duty on
foreign free-grown sugar ; a measure which would not only be
in strict accordance with those great principles of commercial
policy which the Government has so successfully advocated,
but which would have a most decided tendency to weaken the
bonds of foreign slavery, and to promote the progress of eman-1
cipation. After my visit to Santa Cruz in the winter of 1839-
40, a direct proposal was made to me by one of the principal
planters, on his own behalf and that of his brethren, most of
them being Englishmen, to emancipate their slaves, on condi-
tion of their sugar being admitted into our ports on the same
terms as those of our own colonies. There is strong reason to
believe that the equalization of the duties on free-grown sugars
would be followed by the emancipation of the slaves in the
colonies both of Denmark and Holland, and, possibly, it might
be made the subject of negotiation and of terms with those
countries. On my return to England, I found that the then-
existing treaty with Brazil precluded such an arrangement with
Denmark ; but as this obstruction is now removed, (as I sup-
pose,) I trust this view of the subject will be embraced by the
Government. Should Denmark and Holland emancipate on
this ground, it can hardly be supposed that France would
refuse to imitate their example, and Spain herself might possi-
bly follow in the train.

* * * * *

P. S. I take the liberty of adding the statement of my own
conviction, that the equalization of the duties on free-grown
sugar, would give such a stimulus to the agricultural improve-
ments which are now taking place in the West Indian colonies,
as to enable them successfully to compete with the producers
of foreign free-grown sugar, and would thus ensure and enhance
their prosperity.

7th mo., 1st. Political events are peculiarly interesting.
The ministers have succeeded in the abolition of the Corn

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

1846,

Laws, which is now law ; a law, I trust, which "will he greatly
blessed to this nation. But being beaten on the question of
Protection of Life in Ireland, they resign. On the very day
of their resignation, comes the delightful intelligence that the
Oregon question, vexatissima as it was, is settled, and peace
thus happily secured between Great Britain and America. * *
Truly thankful do I feel for the result, to the God of peace,
who has graciously heard and answered the many prayers of
his children for the peace of the nations.

7th mo., 11th. It has been a favoured Sabbath day ; the
company of Isabel Casson very acceptable at both our meet-
ings ; especially so this evening. Great solemnity attended
us ; the meeting closed in prayer. It is, indeed, very sweet
and encouraging to have felt, during the last few days, some-
thing of the renewed visitation of the Spirit of the Lord,
bearing witness with our spirits that we are the children of
God; and if children, then heirs ! This is a precious experi-
ence of which I feel myself to be totally unworthy, and for
which I seem to myself, at seasons, as totally unfit. But in
the adorable loving-kindness of the Lord, I am in some good
degree enabled to believe that mercy covers the judgment-seat
as to an hair's-breadth.

8th mo., 3rd. Yesterday I entered my 59th year; only one
year younger than my beloved and honoured father when he
died. How strange an advance in life does this appear, since
an event, as it were, of yesterday ; so vivid is the recollection
of it ! I was closely engaged last week in drawing up a decla-
ration of my faith on the Scriptures ; the immediate operation
of the Spirit; justification and the "Trinity;" at the request
of Stephen A. Chase, of Salem, Massachusetts, who requires
it in his defence of Friends, in a law-suit about Swanzey
Meeting-House. Having printed the declaration in a sheet of
eight columns, I affirmed to it before the mayor and two other
magistrates of our city, and then committed the document to
the post. May a blessing rest on this somewhat new and
singular act of my life, for which I think I had a measure of
the feeling of divine sanction !

JRT. 59.

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

507

This declaration will be found in the Appendix to
the present volume. In a letter to his daughter, dated
8th mo., 4th, he says in reference to it : —

It has appeared a providential opening for explaining my-
self, and for showing the utter groundlessness of the charge of
my differing from the Society in its primitive sentiments and
principles. I have felt the solemnity of thus stereotyping my
faith, yet much peace has attended it.

508

APPROACH OF THE END.

1846.

CHAPTER XLVII.
1846—47. sr. 59.

HIS LATEST ENGAGEMENTS IN THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY ;
JOURNEY TO DARLINGTON ) LAST ILLNESS, DEATH, AND FUNERAL.

If there be an interest belonging to each varied
period in the progress of the Christian traveller,
that interest can scarcely fail to be deepened, as he is
observed drawing nearer and nearer to the consumma-
tion of all his hopes. Though death may at times
cast its shadow before, yet the consciousness of its
gradual, but certain approach, tends rather to quicken
his diligence, and to cheer him onward in the near
prospect of the long-looked-for prize.

Reflections, such as these, may have not unnaturally
already presented themselves to the mind of the
reader; who has now only to watch Joseph John
Gurney's calm and peaceful course during the few
remaining months of his life.

The autumn of 1846 was spent quietly at home;
with the exception of engagements connected with
the attendance of the Meetings of Friends in his
own Quarterly Meeting, and with what proved a
farewell visit to his beloved daughter, at Darlington,
and to his friends in several places on his way
home.

MT. 59.

JOURNAL.

509

The following are from his Journal : —

8th mo., 25th. 0 that I may be more and more entirely
subject to the spiritual government of Christ ! Probably a
little more of service, in the promotion of his cause in the
earth, may arise, not very far from home, and without much
delay. There is great peace in looking back on the meetings
so far held under my present minute. If my state in the mean
time is that of poverty, with much quietness, and deep nothing-
ness, why should I complain ? Why should I not rather
rejoice, and be thankful?

9th mo., 1st. First day, after much lowncss of mind, was
greatly favoured. The meeting at Diss, in the morning, was
fully and unexpectedly attended by a crowd of respectable
persons, and was very solemn — " This God is our God for ever
and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." In the
evening, an overflowing public meeting at Tivetshall — "0
Death, where is thy sting," &c. These words came clearly into
my mind as we approached the meeting-house, and I believe at
the moment when I passed a cottage where an awfully sudden
death of a young mother had just taken place, though we knew
nothing of it. Great solemnity crowned the meeting. Good
family-sitting in the morning, including the poor young man
who had just lost his wife ; after which, we returned home.
Dearest Anna and her boy came to us in safety in the after-
noon, to our great joy ; and to-day, dear John Henry and
Mary have happily joined our circle. So that we have our
children around us, and it may be we are washing our steps
with butter, and the rock is pouring us out a sufficiency of that
holy oil, which alone qualifies for the service of the Lord.
Ought I not be hopeful, faithful, thankful?

9th mo., 9th. Yesterday, [at Lowestoft,] I spent a pleasant
and entertaining hour or two with John and Francis Cunning-
ham, at Dr. Whewell's, with whom we discoursed on Cambridge
worthies, and moral philosophy. Afterwards, he showed us
the moon through his fine telescope, when we had a clear view
of the honey-comb appearance of her surface, (on the side
partially shadowed.) This appearance is supposed to bespeak

510

JOURNAL.

1846.

obsolete craters in mountains ; though it seems there is a light
visible in one or more of them, -which indicates the yet burning
volcano.

9th mo., ldth. A considerable degree of tranquillity prevails
at the close of this week. May a due preparation for a true
Sabbath day of rest and worship be felt this evening ! Prayer
was poured forth after reading, this morning. William
Forster's company at breakfast, and afterwards, truly accept-
able ; he is so entirely one with us in feeling and sentiment ;
such a firmly-supporting, yet tenderly-sympathizing friend and
brother. Our darling grand-son is a great pleasure to us.
How many, 0 Lord, are the blessings, temporal and spiritual,
which thou hast been pleased to pour into our cup. As this
cup of blessing overflows, may our hearts overflow with love
and gratitude towards thee, our God and Saviour !

Second day morning. I hope and believe our Sabbath
yesterday was a profitable one. The meetings were both well
attended ; that in the morning silent, profoundly so I think ;
that in the afternoon exercising to me, for though I deeply
felt the weight of the subject, and my insufficiency for any
such service, 1 was bound to unfold the subject of conscience,
the moral faculty ; its corruption and perversion under the
fall ; hence the necessity of a new birth unto righteousness,
and of the purging of the conscience from the stain of past
sin, by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ, through a living
faith in him, the one great sacrifice for sin. — " I trust I have
a good conscience." Since all this experience of vital
Christianity is needful to a good conscience, we need not
wonder at this modest way of expressing himself, even in the
Apostle Paul — who, after his reconciliation with God, exercised
himself to keep a conscience void of offence in the sight of
God and man. In this work he could have no success, except
through the illumination and power of the Holy Spirit, by
which alone the conscience is truly enlightened, quickened,
and kept alive. Thus, then, after being, through repentance
and faith, placed in possession of a good conscience, we cannot
keep that invaluable boon, except by watchfulness and prayer,
and unreserved obedience to the guidance and government of

iET. 59.

JOURNAL.

511

Christ by his spirit. Finally, if our heart condemn us not,
then have we peace with God. — " Mark the perfect man, and
beheld the upright; for the end of that man is peace."

9th mo., 29th. We have had a very full and interesting
time; the shifting scenes of no uninstructive magic lantern
having passed before us from day to day, and hour to hour.
Through all, though somewhat fatigued, we have been favoured
with true and solid peace. On second day arrived our dear
and valued friends, Elizabeth Dudley and her sister, and very
satisfactory to us all has been the week's visit which they have
paid us. On fourth day we had a large Bible Society com-
pany to breakfast, forty in all, and a good time with them of
Scripture reading, (Isaiah lx,) and afterwards of solemn
prayer. The Bible Meeting that day (J. T. Pelham in the
chair) was excellent ; many clergymen present. I spoke easily
to myself, and to the satisfaction, I trust, of the meeting. The
Quarterly Meeting, on fifth day, was not very large, but Eliza-
beth Dudley's testimony was sound and valuable. All cleared
away in peace this morning, so that we are again our home
party, with dear John C. and Anna. On the whole, many and
rather extraordinary have been our gospel privileges during
this passing period.

On his return from his visit to Darlington, lie
writes : —

11th mo., 3rd. We look back on our late journey and its
accompaniments with much satisfaction, and I trust, humble
gratitude. Much has, in a quiet way, been accomplished, of
which I can now give only a brief summary. A very agreeable
passing visit, on our way, to the beloved Upton family. A
satisfactory and comforting week with our dearest children at
Blackwell, with their engaging little boy. Attendance of the
Quarterly Meeting at Darlington, a very refreshing and memo-
rable time ; Monthly Meeting at Stockton ; three first days at
Darlington ; altogether a series of meetings, for which we had
abundant cause to be thankful.

A highly interesting visit of two days to Ackworth ; good

512

JOURNAL.

1846.

times with the children, particularly a concluding attempt at a
scientific lecture. New hope attends the institution.

The selection of a site on the school estate to be purchased
and given for our Flounders' Normal School.*

A happy visit of two days to Upton on our return ;
finding our dearest brother quite vigorous again. Sixth day
last, the touching, yet satisfying funeral of dear John Lister.
It was a favour to find ourselves again in the right place, and
at the needful hour. The unity and good fellowship of
Friends, during the whole of this time, have been animating
and encouraging.

I have found time for reading the Greek Testament as
usual; Scott's Force of Truth, and some of his Essays;
Vigilantius and his Times; part of John Foster's Life and
Letters ; and his Essay on Popular Ignorance. All this I have
enjoyed, as I have drawing for recreation.

To-day, though not feeling very well, I am much prizing and
enjoying our quietness, and Earlham is bright with sunshine.

The distress which was at this time prevalent in
Ireland, owing to the failure of the potato crop,
deeply affected Joseph John Gurney's feelings.
He was among the foremost in encouraging the
efforts that were then made by the Society of
Friends in this country and in Ireland, on behalf
of the starving population ; and warmly did he
second his beloved friend William F/orster, in that

* "The Flounders' Institute," for the training of young men as
teachers among Friends, originated in the gift of £40,000, three per
cent, consols, by Benjamin Flounders, of Yarmouth. The trustees
not having power to purchase land for a site with the principal
sum, Joseph John Gurney gave the £500 required for this purpose ;
the purchase being completed by his executors after his decease.
On the site thus furnished, the necessary buildings have been since
erected, and the establishment has been for some years in active and
efficient operation.

33T. 59.

JOURNAL AND LETTER.

513

spirit of Christian devotedness in which he gave him-
self up, during the winter, to a laborious visitation of
the afflicted districts.

11th mo., 18th. Very interesting communication with
Friends, on the subject of poor, miserable, starving Ireland.
Dear William Forster seems bent on being our ambassador
thither. I think it is a case which requires not merely sub-
scription, but sacrifice ; and his sacrifice is a noble one ; mine,
only pecuniary. May I not say — " Filthy rags !"

TO JOHN HODGKIN.

Norwich, 21st of 12th mo., 1846.

* * * * I believe it is far from being shallow work to get
down to a thorough sense and inward acknowledgment that, in
his chastening, God "doeth all things well;" not only right-
eously, but as a Father full of loving-kindness. Perhaps
nothing is so trying to our faith as affliction on a large scale,
(such as sweeping starvation in Ireland,) unless it be vice and
cruelty on a still larger, as in the case of the slave trade ; but
there is a point of reposing faith and quiet resignation, to
which the mind may be brought, and in which it may be
anchored ; wherein the heartfelt feeling and blessed assurance
is given that God doeth all things rightly ; that his " tender
mercies are over all his works ;" that " though clouds and
darkness are round about him, righteousness and judgment are
the habitation of his throne."

We are going on very comfortably at Earlham, and are
favoured to look back with peace and comfort on our late
engagement in visiting several small meetings, and in holding
some public ones. I am not aware that I remember any occa-
sion of the kind in which the Great Master of our assem-
blies was felt to be nearer for the help of his most poor
servant.

11th mo., 21st. Yesterday, a delightfully quiet day at
home. Dearest sister Buxton with us to dine and lodge ; a
blessed time of prayer after our reading this morning ; and

Vol. II. — 33

514

LAST ENTRIES

1846.

since breakfast we have had a most agreeable wander in the
brigbt cbrysanthemized garden. Who has the same pleasure
in flowers that I have ? I trust it is not idolatrous. Can it
be, that —

From Paradise to Paradise my upward course extends,

My Paradise of flowers on earth, in heaven's clysium ends !

0 how deeply and thoroughly unworthy am I of all the
Lord's benefits !

V2th mo., 8th. Just returned from a solemn and comforting
visit to the sick and probably dying chamber of nurse Norman ;
my old nurse,* who has lived eighty out of her eighty-nine
years in the cottage at the bottom of the park, which she now
inhabits. I trust and believe all is and will be well with her,
for Christ's sake.

We went to Yarmouth last seventh day, and returned
yesterday. Our visit to the little meeting, and to several
Friends during the day, and more particularly a well-attended
and quiet public meeting in the evening, were relieving and
comforting. The preceding first day, at Norwich, was also a
good day ; Friends being well gathered together, I trust, as
before the Lord.

12th mo., 25th. Quietly at home, and rejoicing in my
privacy. I felt somewhat of the sweetness and benefit of
prayer on my first rising this morning ; and, in dependence on
the Spirit of grace and supplication, desire for myself and
others, a greater diligence in fulfilling this often-commanded
and most salutary duty. We have been permitted to enjoy a
happy Quarterly Meeting. I thought we were graciously
favoured with evidence during the day, that, as a people,
though very poor, we are not yet forsaken.

My subscription of £500 to Ireland, has at length been
well backed up by the accompanying list. This is a comfort
to me ; it is a vast case of physical woe. The Lord help
them, and feed them, and overrule all for good ! It is my
prayer that I may be delivered from all self-complacency, and

* See supra, vol. 1, p. '20.

JET. 59.

IN JOURNAL.

515

may be more and more prostrate befoie the Lord, in deep
humility. All that I am and have are undoubtedly his. In
the matter of giving, there is, in private cases, very much in
the precept, " Let not your left hand know," &c. In public
charities, while parade is abominable, I think the Christian
ought not to shrink from openly acting up to the true Chris-
tian standard, on the principle of " Let your light shine before
men."

Second day morning, 12th mo., 28th, 1846. We were
favoured with good and fairly-attended meetings yesterday,
and a good time after the evening reading. Two deaths have
occurred in our circle ; one of nurse Norman, in her ninetieth
year, we reverently believe in peace ; the other, that of my
long-loved and greatly-esteemed brother-in-law, Samuel Hoare.
He was at the Refuge on fourth, the Bank on fifth, and public
worship on sixth days ; pursuing his active, honourable, and
useful course to the end, just as he would most have wished to
do. He was possessed of lively piety, and great perseverance
in his Christian course. Can we for a moment doubt that he
rests iu peace ? I was very uncomfortable and poorly last
night, and feel a good deal indisposed this morning. Yet I
think I may venture to the district committee for a short
time.

The foregoing was the last memorandum penned by
Joseph John Gurney. On his return from the Com-
mittee of the District Visiting Society, which he
attended, with difficulty, he complained of great
exhaustion, feverishness, &c. A few simple remedies
were administered ; but the uncomfortable sjonptoms
remaining, his medical man was summoned on the
following morning. At first, however, he had no
apprehension of a serious termination of the malady ;
and the calmness and cheerfulness of the invalid
were calculated to inspire the hope of a speedy
recovery.

The summer had been one of peculiar enjoyment

516

LAST DAYS.

1846.

to him; everything gave him pleasure, and he
frequently observed, whilst roaming over his
delightful lawns and gardens, " I never saw this
dear old place look so lovely before — my cup is full
of blessings." The warmth and brightness of the
weather no doubt contributed to his enjoyment ; but
it also seemed as if the dawning of that new sense
was breaking in upon him, which apprehends
those good and glorious things, " which eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered
into the heart of man to conceive;" — as if he had
even then a little foretaste of eternal joy. His love
of nature was at all times remarkably strong, but it
appeared to be greatly increased during the last few
months of his life ; and perhaps there were few, to
whom the beautiful words of the poet would more
fittingly apply : —

His are the mountains, and the valleys his,
And the resplendent rivers — his to enjoy
With a propriety that none can feel,
But who, with filial confidence inspired,
Can lift to heaven an unpresumptuous eye,
And smiling say, " My Father made them all !"
Are they not his, by a peculiar right,
And by an emphasis of interest his ;
Whose eye they fill with tears of holy joy,
Whose heart with praise, and whose exalted mind,
With worthy thoughts of that unwearied love,
That planned, and built, and still upholds, a world
So clothed with beauty, for rebellious man ?

During the greater part of the summer, he was
unusually vigorous, and appeared to be very desirous
of fulfilling the numerous demands that were made
upon him. Indeed, it was evident that he was

.et. 59.

LAST DAYS.

517

dwelling under a solemn consciousness that " Time
is short" — that we must work while it is called
"to-day." He had several engagements in hand,
which cost him considerable exertion both of mind
and body, and when they were completed, he
smilingly observed, "Now I believe I may say, I
have at least set my outward house in order, which
is a great comfort." On the confidence being
expressed, that not the outward house only, but
the spiritual building also was in readiness, he
replied, " I trust, through 'pardoning mercy,
that it may be so, but of myself I am the
very poorest and the most infirm of human
creatures." It was truly instructive to observe,
that, with an earnest and abiding endeavour to
maintain a conscience void of offence towards God
and man, so deep was his humility, that he invari-
ably spoke of himself as falling far short of the
mark; frequently saying, he had the most abasing
sense of all his own performances, and the strongest
conviction, that, if he were saved at last, " it would
be all of grace ; the free, full, pardoning mercy of
God in Christ Jesus." The depth of the riches of
the love of Christ, the fullness and universality of
divine grace, were the themes on which he delighted
to dwell ; and the following was among the
Scripture texts from which he derived especial
consolation : — " Let Israel hope in the Lord, for
with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is
plenteous redemption, and he shall redeem Israel
from all his iniquities." During the last few
months, it was his regular practice to commit a
hymn to memory while dressing in the morning,
and the ease and facility with which this was

518

LAST DAYS.

1846.

accomplished were very striking. The Waiting
Soul, by Cowper, was one of his particular favourites.
How often was he heard feelingly to repeat the
stanza which contains the lines : —

And every door is shut but one,
And that is mercy's door !

He greatly enjoyed his last visit to Darlington ;
the little companies of friends and relatives which
gathered around him in the early autumn ; his quiet
settled evenings with his own home party; in short,
the world seemed clothed for Mm in smiles and
sunshine. But upon hearing of the sufferings of
the Irish poor, his deepest sympathies were
awakened, and, for several Aveeks, his exertions on
their behalf were unremitting. He not only con-
tributed largely to their relief himself, but wrote
many letters to his friends and acquaintance
urging them to do the same ; until at last, feeling
thoroughly ojmressed by a sense of the extent of
their calamity, he observed, " I think I had rather
not hear any more of these affecting statements,
they are almost too much for me. I believe I can
do no more, and therefore I must try to leave the
subject." This he was enabled, in good measure,
to do; and he then gave his mind with renewed
earnestness to the claims of the Norwich Poor ;
in many instances increasing his annual subscrip-
tions, and devising new channels for their relief.
It was on his return from a meeting of the District
Societ}*, in which he made a warm and impressive
appeal on their behalf, that his horse fell, and threw
him, in descending Orford Hill; and although his
friends were not aware of his being seriously in-

MT. 59.

LAST DAYS.

519

jured at the time, there is no doubt that the acci-
dent was the exciting cause of the illness which
terminated in death. This was on the 22nd of the
12th month. On the following day he complained
a little of his back, but attended a committee in
the morning, and in the evening the meeting of
ministers and elders, preparatory to the Quarterly
Meeting, in which he was memorably engaged to
the tendering of many hearts. When he sat down
there was a heavenly solemnity to be felt, and some
who were present were impressed with the belief,
that they should never all meet together there
again. An awful sense was given of a great change
being at hand.

The ensuing week he continued to attend to
his various avocations with increasing diligence ;
driving to and from Norwich, in his pony-chair,
during the inclement, snowy weather, because, he
said "it looked self-indulgent to use the carriage
now he was so well." His old nurse, who had
occupied a cottage in the park for eighty years, was in
her dying illness, and he repeatedly called in and
ministered to her.

In the seventh month he had obtained a minute
to visit all the little meetings of Friends which
compose the Quarterly Meeting of Norfolk and
•Norwich, and to appoint others, with those not pro-
fessing with Friends, should his mind be drawn to
the service. This gave him an opportunity of
personal communication with almost all the little
flock, over whom, it might in truth be said, "the
Holy Ghost had made him an 'overseer.'" Some of
the public meetings which he held on this occasion

520

LAST DAYS.

1846.

were very large, and eminently favoured; and the
testimonies delivered in the meetings for Friends
were remarkably clear and powerful; so that it may
truly be said to have been a bright winding up of
his ministerial career. At the conclusion of the last
meeting, which was held about a fortnight previous
to his illness, he observed, that he did not see any
thing more before him, and that he was almost
inclined to believe his work in this way was done.
On First day morning, the 27th of the twelfth month,
as he was setting off with his family to meeting, he
received the tidings of the sudden death of his
valued brother-in-law, Samuel Hoare. He heard
them with calmness, and was closely exercised in
ministry during the meeting, dwelling much and
impressively on the text — "Thine are we, David,
and on thy side, thou son of Jesse. Peace, peace
be to thee, and peace be to thy helpers, for God
helpeth thee." On his return home, he alluded to
the removal of his brother Buxton, and his sister
Fry ; and remarked, with strong emphasis, " We four
were closely banded together in benevolent objects
for many years, and I, who was the most delicate,
am now the only one remaining. I feel this
seriously." He then walked down to the cottage
of his old nurse to look at her remains, she having
died a few days previously. An expression of sweet
serenity dwelt upon his countenance as he stood by
the coffin in her little chamber, and he seemed to
have a sense of her rest and blessedness as he ex-
claimed, " Poor old nurse ! she appears to have
passed away most peacefully. 0 what a favour!
may it be so with me when my turn comes ! " At

JET. 59.

LAST DAYS.

521

the close of the afternoon meeting, he bowed the
knee in very solemn prayer, adverting to the great
uncertainty of all things temporal, and fervently
petitioning that "every hindering and obstructing
thing might be done away; and we prepared, through
the abounding riches of redeeming love, to join the
countless company who now surround the throne>
ascribing glory and honour, salvation and strength,
to the Lord God Omnipotent, and to the Lamb."
The deej) and touching pathos of his voice, and the
earnestness of the appeal, caused a thrilling sensa-
tion in many hearts, and the question arose, "Can
it be possible that that voice will never more be
heard within these walls ?" During the Scripture
reading with the villagers at the Hall in the evening,
he wras engaged in a striking manner on the awful
consequences of delaying preparation for a dying
hour, alluding very instructively to the two deaths
which had just occurred, and ending with the im-
pressive exhortation — " Be ye also ready, for at such
an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."
These were his last words in ministry with the
servants and cottagers collectively ; speedily and
solemnly were they confirmed by the event which
followed !

On second day morning, the 28th, he attended
the committee of the District Visiting Society, a3
intimated in the last entry in his Journal, and
returned home in a state of great exhaustion. But
his medical man pronounced it a slight bilious
attack, and seemed to have no anxiety about his
recovery. It is very apparent, from his private
journals, that Joseph John Gurney had a strong

522

LAST ILLNESS.

1846.

constitutional dread of death; and the peacefulness,
and almost painlessness of his illness, may surely be
reckoned among those " sparing mercies," to which
he often and feelingly alluded. He had frequently
spoken of his natural sensitiveness to pain, and
expressed a fear that he should not have fortitude
to meet the sufferings of a dying hour; and, on the
remark being made on one occasion, that the near
approach of death was often, in mercy, veiled from
the view, or we were so shielded as not to be sensible
of its gloom, he answered — "Yes, we are very ten-
derly dealt with ; and I have sometimes thought,
through sparing mercy, that it might be so with
me" — repeating, with a beaming expression of
countenance, those beautiful lines on the death of a
believer : —

" One gentle sigh their fetters breaks,
We scarce can say they're gone,
Before the willing spirit takes
Its mansion near the throne."

Remarkably was this verified in his experience. So
gently sloped, so beautifully brightened, was his passage
to the silent tomb, that it might be truly said, death
had no sting, the grave no victory. Everything
that was done for him excited his gratitude; his
heart overflowed with affection to those around him ;
and, when any of the servants came into the room,
he would employ them in some little office of kind-
ness, knowing it would gratify them to be so
employed.

He liked to hear a portion of the Scriptures every
day, and was much interested in the Life of William

XI. 59.

LAST ILLNESS.

523

Allen, &c. One morning the hymn was read to him
which commences with the words

Rejoice for a brother deceased,
Our loss is Lis infinite gain.

The last verse he appeared to feel particularly;
exclaiming, at the conclusion, " delightful, that is
indeed delightful."

On fifth day night, he was low and sorrowful ; for
a little moment, his Saviour seemed to have hidden
his face from him, and he said in a tone of sadness,
" I feel so devoid of any good, and as if I had
no power to lift up my heart in prayer." It was
remarked, that we have a merciful High Priest, who
is touched with a feeling of our infirmities, and who
sees and knows the desire of the hearts of his children,
even when we have no ability to manifest it ; to which
he sweetly replied, " that's true, that's very true, and
I think I may rest there."

Sixth day was altogether a low day. In the
evening, after a short time of profound stillness, he
broke forth in strains of solemn, fervent prayer.
This was rendered more impressive by the touching
feebleness of his voice. It was evidently a relief
to him, and he had a cmiet night; but on seventh
day, although both nourishment and stimulants
had been pretty freely administered, his strength
was decidedly failing. As this state of things con-
tinued, it was determined, on first day afternoon,
to send for a physician from London, who was
requested to come down immediately, by special
train. During the morning, he several times

524

LAST ILLNESS.

1846.

alluded to the "The Declaration of Faith," which had
been sent to America a few months previously,*
observing, " It would have been a great satisfaction
to me to have heard how that testimony is likely to
answer. I believe I had the right sanction for
sending it, and trust it will be useful to Friends."
In the course of the day, a note was received from
a Friend, expressive of cordial approbation of it,
and of a full persuasion "that it would prove an
instrument of good to the Society, clearing the
views of the honest-hearted, and convincing the
gainsayers that they had both misunderstood and
misrepresented him." This seemed like a message
sent to cheer him at this solemn hour. On his
being made acquainted with it, a sunny smile lit up
his pallid countenance, and he appeared to accept
it as a token that a blessing would descend on this,
his latest effort with the pen, to uphold those
spiritual views and Christian testimonies which he
had unflinchingly supported and proclaimed for
more than thirty years ; and which he continued to
believe were founded in the very truth. In the
evening his mind wandered a little, as it had done
the evening before ; yet it was interesting to observe
the marked indications of his habitual self-control
and self-collectedness, even during these short
periods of occasional rambling. About eleven o'clock,
on second day morning, Dr. Prout arrived. He had
often consulted iiim in London, seemed pleased to
hear he was in the house, and wished him asked up
immediately. When he entered the room, he wel-
comed him cheerfully, and gave him an exact

* See supra, p. 506.

2ET. 59.

AND DEATH.

525

account of all his symptoms. It was a moment of
intensely touching interest. Prout took the patient's
hand in his, sought for his pulse, gave an expressive
look at Dalrymple, and hastening away to conceal
the feelings which almost overpowered him, he un-
hesitatingly pronounced him a dying man! Deeply
affecting as was this announcement to his tenderly-
attached connections, they felt it a duty still to use
every effort to increase his strength, in the fond
hope that the physician might have been mistaken,
and that he yet possessed the power to rally. But
all proved unavailing. Soon after his last interview
with Prout, he fell into a profound sleep, which
continued till about five o'clock, when a sudden
gleam of heavenly pleasure lighted up his coun-
tenance; and, turning towards his wife, he sweetly
said, "I think I feel a little joyful, dearest," and again
dropped into a tranquil slumber. Soon after this he
sank lower and lower; unconsciousness came on,
and such of his deeply afflicted family as were
favoured to be present at this awful hour sat by his
bed in perfect stillness, until his breathing had be-
come imperceptible, and they knew that the spirit had
returned to God who gave it. " Having served his
generation by the will of God, he fell asleep? So
gently did his spirit pass away, so sweet was the
peace shed on his departure, that for some moments
his bereaved family almost lost the consciousness of
their irreparable loss, in the blessed sense that was
given them of the fulness of his joy.*

* This account is taken from memoranda made at the time by
one of Joseph John Gurney's family.

52G

HIS DEATH.

1847.

His death took place on the 4th of the 1st month,
1847, in his 59th year. The event at once awakened
a deep and intense feeling throughout a widely
extended circle. " The loss to this world," writes
one of his earliest friends, in "the withdrawal of
such a man, the removal of such an example, the
quenching of such a light, is more and greater than
any of us can imagine." These were reflections
that doubtless filled many hearts, as they turned
towards themselves, and those who were left behind ;
whilst, on his account, the blessed assurance was
granted that all was rest, and peace, and everlasting
love.

The sensation in Norwich and its neighbourhood
cannot easily be described ; and is probably without
precedent in the case of a mere private individual.
During the entire interval of seven days, between
his decease and the funeral, the half-closed shops, and
the darkened windows of the private houses, gave un-
equivocal testimony of the feelings of the inhabitants.

"It has furnished," says an eye-witness, "the principal
topic of conversation in every family, in every private circle,
in every group by the way-side. Persons of all classes
and of every age, however various in opinion on other
subjects, have united in their high estimate of the character
of the deceased, and in the melancholy satisfaction of re-
calling excellencies of which now, alas ! the memory alone
remains. Each individual has had his own story to tell
of some public benefit, or of some kindness shown
to others or himself; and innumerable acts of beneficence,
long forgotten amidst the crowd of more recent instances,
have been related and listened to with the mournful pleasure
incident to such a theme. The very street-gossip of Norwich
during the past week, if it could have been collected and

1847.

AND FUNERAL.

527

recorded, would doubtless furnish an almost unparalleled tri-
bute to departed worth.*

" The funeral itself, as might have been expected from these
unusual preliminaries, was an extraordinary scene. The entire

* Thoroughly as Joseph John Gurney's religious views and feel-
ings, as a member of the Society of Friends, were understood, it was
observed, as among the many striking proofs of the estimation in
which he was held by his fellow-citizens, that the subject of his death
was at the time publicly adverted to in most of the places for reli-
gious worship in Norwich, and amongst the rest, by the Bishop,
(the late Bishop Stanley,) in the Cathedral. The apology made by
the Bishop on the occasion, for venturing upon such a subject, affords
no mean testimony at once of his high estimate of Joseph John
Gurney's character as a Christian Quaker, and of his own well-known
Catholicity of mind.

" He who is removed from amongst us, and whose loss every
member of our church must deplore, it is true, was not of our com-
munity; but who will be bold enough in intolerance to say that
thereby, or in consequence thereof, his salvation was in jeopardy ?
Can we doubt that he, whose peaceful life was one unwearied
comment on evangelical charity in its fullest and most expanded
sense, — of whom it may be said to the very letter, that when the
ear heard him, then it blessed him ; when the eye saw him, it gave
witness to him, because he delivered the poor that cried, and the
fatherless, — their blessing came upon him, for he caused the hearts
of all and each to sing for joy; — to say, I repeat, or to give a
moment's heed to a doubt of his acceptance with God, on the ground
of his differing from us in church membership, would be indeed, and
in verity, a mockery of the Bible, a perversion of gospel truth, a
libel upon Christianity itself. Let it not be said that I am giving
utterance to an opinion at variance with the language of our Church,
in its 18th article, which maintains, and justly maintains, that he is
censurable who ' presumes to say that every man shall be saved by
the law or sect that he professeth.' Far be such a sentiment from
me, believing, as I do, in the words of that same article, setting out
unto us oidy the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, whci'eby man must
be saved. And a firmer believer in the merits of that Saviour it
might be difficult to find, than the humble-minded Christian of whom
I am now speaking." See Life of Bishop Stanley, by his son, pp.
163, 164.

528

FUNERAL.

1847.

city suspended business, in order to witness or to take part in
it. A number of gentlemen, among -whom were the Mayor,
the ex-Mayor, and the Sheriff, went out in carriages as far a3
Earlham Hall, about two miles distant from Norwich. Other
persons, including a large portion of the scholars of Palace
Street British Schools, walked to the same spot. The proces-
sion set out from Earlham at about ten o'clock. It consisted
of the hearse, and the carriages containing the relatives, fol-
lowed by the equipages which had arrived from Norwich, making
in all more than fifty, and accompanied by a considerable
number on foot. It was understood to be the wish of the
family, that no empty carriages should attend. A simplicity,
in harmony alike with the practice of the Society of Friends,
and with the habits and character of the departed, marked all
the arrangements. As was fitting in such a case, there was
no parade, no hired sorrow, no needless insignia of grief. As
the procession moved on towards the city, it was met by a
gradually increasing number of the inhabitants, who had issued
forth in a continuous stream to pay their last tribute to the
memory of Joseph John Gurney. Silently and sadly they
stood while the hearse passed slowly by ; and many a tearful
countenance, among the crowd, bore witness to their sympathy
with the surviving relatives, and their reverential attachment
to the dead.* All, however, appeared to be impressed with
the solemnity of the occasion, and with the desire to preserve
a becoming order.

"At St. Giles' gate, a body of Sunday School teachers, to the
number of about two hundred, joined the procession, already
greatly swollen by numbers ; and which, continually growing as
it went along, slowly passed on to the burying-ground attached
to the Friends' Meeting-house in the Gildencroft. At about

* The event was especially felt by the school children of the poor.
" The Workhouse children," says a private letter on the occasion,
"boys and girls, when they heard the hearse coming, ran sobbing
into the front chamber, where their mistress was, and were so vio-
lently affected, she feared they would fall from the windows. The
whole effect of his death," continues the writer, " and the way in
which it has been kept and honoured, is, I believe, unequalled almost
in public history."

1847.

FUNERAL.

529

half-past eleven the hearse arrived at the narrow gateway lead-
ing to the burying-ground, from whence the coffin was borne to
the grave by six members of the Society of Friends, followed
by the mourners.

" After the procession had surrounded the grave, a profound
silence ensued, according to the simple but solemnly appro-
priate practice of the ' Friends.' This was, at length, broken
by a brief reference to the 55th, 56th, and 57th verses of the
15th chapter of the 1st of Corinthians. ' 0 death, where is
thy sting ? 0 grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death
is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be
to God which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus
Christ !' Another pause took place, followed by another
address. The coffin was then lowered. It was an impressive
and affecting moment. The circle of mourning relatives, the
surrounding crowd of spectators — scarcely less moved or less
attached to the deceased — persons of all ranks, of all ages,
of all communions, magistrates and artizans, clergymen and
dissenting ministers, Churchmen, Independents, Baptists,
Methodists, and Friends — in short, representatives of the
whole population of Norwich, now took their last farewell of
Joseph John Gurney ; slowly turning their footsteps towards the
meeting-house, where a meeting for religious worship was to be
held. The occasion was deeply impressive, and, pervaded as
it was throughout by the spirit of pure Evangelical Catholic
Christianity, formed an appropriate conclusion to the funeral
of such a man.

" Thus terminated the proceedings of a day when the simple
obsequies of a private individual were converted by the whole
body of his fellow-citizens into a memorial of his exalted
virtues, and of their irreparable loss." *

* From the Norfolk News of the 16th of the 1st mo., [January,]
1817. The account of Joseph John Gurney printed in this Journal,
was written by his long-esteemed and much-valued friend, John
Alexander, and though necessarily brief, contains a striking and
impressive portraiture of his life and character. It was afterwards
revised and published in a more convenient form, under the title of a
Brief Memoir of Joseph John Gurney.

Vol. II. — 34

530

CONCLUSION.

So was he loved and honoured even in death.
It were easy to multiply the proofs of the deep and
lasting impression which he had made upon those
who fell within the range of his influence. But
such an attempt must at best very inadequately
disclose that which can only be fully discovered
when . the secrets of all hearts are made manifest.
It will be more instructive, in connexion with the
marked and impressive testimony thus borne by
sorrowing multitudes, to a life long devoted to the
services of pure and undefiled religion, to recur once
more, in conclusion, to that humble view of himself,
that true and deep sense of his own nothingness
and entire dependence upon God, which had given
brightness and maturity to his character, and in
which lay the secret of his strength and of his joy.

"From me most assuredly," are his emphatic words, in the
short preface to his Autobiography, " all boasting is excluded.
If it has been given me to partake of some poignant sorrows,
they were no more than I deserved ; if ten thousand pleasures
and enjoyments have been poured into my lap, they have been
bestowed of the pure bounty of God ; if a measure of intellec-
tual activity and power has fallen to my lot, it is his gift alone,
a gift very inadequately used for a purpose of his glory ; and,
above all, if I have had the happiness of knowing and loving
the Saviour, and of serving him at the cost of much that I
have held dear, it is not of myself, but all of grace. All of
grace most assuredly it is, that I have not fallen a prey to the
deceiver and accuser of man ; and that, while the Lord has
condescended to employ me in his service, I have been permitted
to entertain the blessed hope of a glorious immortality, where
sin and sorrow are known no more."

RECOLLECTIONS.

531

RECOLLECTIONS OF JOSEPH JOHN GURNEY.

BY HIS DAUGHTER.

(Written principally for her Son, in the brief interval between her Father's decease

and her own.)

Animus vero, non me deserens, sed respectans, in ea profecto loca
discessit, quo mihi ipsi cernebat esse veniendum. — Cicero de Senect.

The earliest impression which I can distinctly recall of my
dearest father, was in the East room, at Earlham, which he
used as his own, after my mother's death. As very little
children, we were in the habit of being with him while he
dressed in a morning, and I well remember that he kindly
allowed me to use, as my playthings, the things he kept in his
pockets. His countenance and figure are so impressed on my
mind, as they appeared in later years, that I cannot call up a
distinct image of him as he must have been then. Yet surely
I do remember him with his brown hair, his high colour, and
his beaming countenance. At the time I am speaking of,
(three years after my mother's death,) I think his face wore a
grave, yet always peaceful expression ; and he was ready at all
times for a good game of play with us. But he was leading
a very busy life, and we were consequently very little with
him. Another picture that I have of him in my mind is
when standing in the garden near the hall door, delighting in
the flowers, as he always did, and watching my brother and
me who were playing about him. I can now see his eye,
resting with intense delight on " Jacky," as he called him, (a
name which no one else was to use,) and whose originality

532

HIS daughter's

and talent were a source of constant interest and pleasure to
him. On our part we were excessively fond of our father — at
the same time his word was lata ; it never entered our minds,
I believe, openly to disobey him ; and I am reported to have
been in the habit of informing visitors, that " papa required
implicit obedience." We were very little children when he
began occasionally to take us into his study, for times of
religious retirement and prayer. After sitting a short time in
silence, he would often kneel down, and pour forth his prayers
in the most simple words he could use. I think I never shall
forget the very great solemnity, the holy, and to me, as a little
child, the almost awful feeling of some of these occasions.
We continued this practice, at times, till he went to America,
and I well remember when he gave us some parting religious
advice at that time, that he spoke with comfort of these seasons
of retirement, and said that he hoped he had in some measure
fulfilled his paternal duty, in endeavouring to train us in the
habit of prayer. It was a subject he constantly pressed on
our attention, begging us to be most rerrular in reading the
Scriptures to ourselves, in j)rivate, morning and evening, and
in endeavouring to wait upon the Lord. Having mentioned
this subject, I think I must not omit another which he also
very frequently pressed on our attention, so that they are
connected in my mind, as those on which he spoke to us the
most often and the most earnestly. This was the immediate
and perceptible guidance of the Holy Spirit, a doctrine which
he endeavoured to explain to us, and the practical application
of which he tried to make us feel, even at a very early age ; —
"the golden clue," as he called it, a clue by which he was
himself led, both in small things and great, more than any
other person that I ever knew. As we grew up, and as our
intimacy with him deepened, we saw in himself, I think I
may say, a striking exemplification of his own views.

But I must return to our childhood. As soon as we could
read, it was our daily office to read a psalm to him in the early
morning. Deeply serious, and attentive, was his countenance
at these times. When once this habit was begun, he could
not bear us to spend the time in any other way, never allowing

RECOLLECTIONS.

533

us to talk to him, but making us read until he was quite
dressed. I do not think that at that very early period we had
any other Bible reading with him than this, (except, of course,
the regular family reading.) Religious instruction, however,
we had much from him in the way of conversation. Often,
while we were taking a ramble in the park, he would endeavour
to impress upon us the great doctrines of Christianity, and
especially the peculiar principles of Friends. He was strict
with us about using the plain language, and before we could
fully understand the reason for it, the habit was completely
established, so that, though we were constantly with people
not Friends, we never had the least difficulty in using it. His
anxiety and feeling on this subject are among the points
which I most vividly remember from my very early childhood.
But while be thus endeavoured to cultivate a taste for our
own peculiar path, he was always ready to acknowledge the
good in those who did not, in everything, agree with him,
and freely allowed us to associate with the great variety of
guests who, at this time, frequented Earlham. Strong indeed
is my impression of the warm welcome he gave to all "the
excellent of the earth," of whatever sect or position in life.
He delighted in the society of such ; and when religion was
united with fine intellectual powers, their company was quite
a feast to him. He always acted on the principle of "learning
something from every one," and early advised us to do the
same. One of our most frequent and most welcome visitors,
at this time, was Henry Tacy ; a very kind friend to us as
children, and I think my dear father must have much enjoyed
his company. I can well remember watching them in many
an earnest and interesting conversation. Such visitors we
frequently had, but it is striking to me to remember how he
kept up our respect for a different class, I mean the Norfolk
Friends, -who always found a warm welcome at Earlham. He
used to say the Quarterly Meeting suppers put him in mind
of the "love-feasts" of the early Christians. He certainly
trained us to treat travelling ministering Friends with the
greatest respect, I was going to say reverence ; and their
coming to Earlham was always a pleasure to us all. There is

534

HIS daughter's

no one who was more cordially welcomed by liiin, in these early
days, than Jonathan Hutchinson. He was a picturesque
person, his white hair hanging almost to his shoulders ; his
countenance full of dignity and peace. I well remember my
dear father's affectionate attention to him. He used to say
" he was a thorough Christian gentleman, refined by nature
and by grace." I was about seven years old when our father
left us for a long journey in Ireland, a circumstance which I
mention chiefly for the sake of recording our intense joy at
his return. I shall never forget the feeling of receiving him at
our Brighton lodgings, where we had been staying with my
aunt Rachel Gurney, who was there for the benefit of her
health. How I did jump when I saw him, screaming out, "It
is papa ! it is papa !" without the least power of running to meet
him! And I have vividly before me his countenance at that
moment, showing a perfect counterpart of our joy ! We
returned home soon after this, and the next event of import-
ance was his bringing our new "mamma" to Earlham. It was
one of our lovely Norfolk evenings, in early autumn, when
they arrived. We children were waiting for them in anxious
expectation, when the carriage drove up. I was awed at being
introduced to my new mamma, for I had never seen her before,
but was directly at ease with her ; and I can fancy that I
caught his evident happiness. * * *

I cannot attempt to give the history of the next few years,
but will just mention those points which made the strongest
impression on me. I have no doubt his married life was a very
happy one, though our mother's delicate health often brought
him into much anxiety. They particularly enjoyed their
Greek Testament readings, after breakfast, in the sitting-
room. This was a time they were never to be interrupted ;
after that, my father went into his study, and was closely en-
gaged in writing, only walking for a few minutes in the garden,
"thinking out a sentence," as we children used to say. At
twelve, his horse came round ; and, as I sat at my lessons, I used
to hear him run up-stairs to take leave of my mother, and
then ride off to the Bank. He often came back at three or
four, and called directly for her to take a walk with him.

RECOLLECTIONS.

535

We dined in those days at five, and I have since thought how
good it was for us that we were early transferred from the
nursery to the dining-room, and had all our meals with the
family. This gave us the opportunity of heing with them
more than we otherwise could. But we always went to lessons
again after dinner. The only exception to this was sometimes
in the summer, when we all took delightful walks together in
the heautiful evenings. Most happy are the remembrances of
some of those rambles in the park and meadows ! Our aunt
Catherine continued to reside at Earlham, and took a most
valuable part in our education. My dear father always enjoined
it upon us to treat her with the gi'eatest respect and affection,
often telling us how very much he owed to her himself. As we
grew older, he took more part in the superintendence of our
studies, especially in the Bible ; often giving us subjects on
which to find texts, a plan which he thought particularly cal-
culated to excite our interest in the study of the Scriptures,
and which was always a pleasure to us. He was very parti-
cular about our Latin lessons, and wished us to begin Greek,
that we might read the New Testament with him. I believe it
was a great effort for him to make up his mind to send John
Henry to school, and every succeeding holiday I remember how
heartily he felt his going. He often wrote to him, and fre-
quently letters of serious advice. " Exercise for the body,
learning for the intellect, religion for the soul." This I remem-
ber was a sentence in one of his letters, and earnestly did he
press all upon him, but especially the last. He seldom parted
from me, for any visit, without a word of caution and advice.
Just as I was going off to Northrepps, one day, he whispered
Tto me, " Keep near to that which will keep thee" — words which
have returned to me often and often, for my help. Most bit-
terly did he suffer if he saw us, even as children, doing wrong.
I painfully remember the sorrow of seeing him weep, when
I was very young, because he thought I had been persevering
in a falsehood. It was a punishment far greater than any
other he could inflict ; yet it was the means of increasing my
extreme reverence for my father ; all my feelings became

536

HIS daughter's

more tender to him, after having caused him so much pain, and
I felt the value of such a friend, when my young mind was
oppressed with the sense of sin.

During the next few years, my father was often from home
on his religious engagements. The longest of these absences
was his journey in Scotland, when he was laid up with his
lame leg in Edinburgh, during which time that delightful
little MS., the Chalmeriana, was written. Surely his habit
of making the most of every circumstance that could turn to
profit, was one of the most striking features in his character.
Never to "miss an opportunity" was one of his mottoes. He
was in the practice of recording any incident of interest in the
shape of letters to his children. To this we owe his little
MSS. about Wilberforce and our Grandmother Fowler,
and the Afternoon at Cambridge, and Morning at Oxford.*
He had great accuracy of memory, and a remarkable power
of putting down conversation, without losing its spirit. I
well remember the afternoon he spent with Simeon, when I
was with him, how busily he occupied himself the next morn-
ing, as we travelled in the carriage, in putting down the inci-
dents of that occasion. During these years, he was very much
occupied with public objects. The Bible Society and Anti-
Slavery cause engaged him much, and most deep was the
interest he took in them. His purse, and still more his mind
and time, were always at their service, and he attended many
of the county Bible Meetings. I remember his animated
speeches ; how he threw life into these little meetings, rousing
up the indifferent by his kind manner to themselves, and by his
own devotion to the cause.

One of the most marked events in each year, was the Bible
Meeting party ; perhaps these occasions were particularly
likely to be great epochs to a child. At all events, they were
so to me. From the time that my dearest father put me, as a
little child, on the table at dessert, to look at a party of ninety,
the largest we ever had, till they were discontinued, I looked
forward to them as a great treat. But they were, for better

See supra, vol. I., pp. 451 — 403 ; and 498 — 506.

RECOLLECTIONS.

537

reasons, occasions of extreme interest, and I have no doubt
■were the means of great good, in uniting many in Christian
fellowship, who would otherwise have known each other only
by name. Though my dearest father steadily maintained his
own views as a Friend, he was always ready to give a warm
welcome to the individuals who came down to attend the
meetings of the Missionary and Jewish Societies, which were
held in the same week with that of the Bible Society. He
treated the missionaries and agents with the greatest kind-
ness, and helped them in those parts of their objects in which
he could do so consistently with his principles, especially in
the distribution of the Hebrew Scriptures to the Jews, and in
the School of the Missionaries. He certainly had a remark-
able power of showing love and friendship towards his fellow-
Christians, whilst he always openly acknowledged and main-
tained his own opinions on particular points. A more com-
plete illustration of this part of his character there could not
be, than in his management of the very large parties at
Earlham of which I am speaking. His brothers-in-law, (my
uncles Buxton and Cunningham,) who were his ready helpers
on such occasions, asked whom they liked to the meetings,
and certainly the dining-room, filled on those days, was no
common sight. It was so different from a party called
together for mere amusement : so fine a feeling pervaded the
whole ; while he, as master, was wonderfully able to keep up
the tone of conversation, so that I should think, it never sank
to a mere chit-chat level. My impression is, that while he
greatly felt the responsibility of these occasions, he most
truly enjoyed them, having often around him those whose con-
versation was a feast to him, such as Wilberforce, Simeon, Legh
Richmond, John Cunningham, and many others.

I never saw my dear father look more beautiful than he did
at the bottom of those long tables. As soon as the cloth was
removed, he would extract their various stores of information
from different individuals in the most happy manner. Thus
the time was turned to account, and I have no doubt these
days were often very profitable to many, as it was his most
earnest desire they should be. His own loving spirit was caught

538 ins daughter's

by all around, and I must believe it was in great measure
owing to the depth of his charity that there was such remark-
able unity among those whom he assembled around him.
Dear old II. Scarnell, (a worthy Friend, who had lived some
years at Earlham, in the capacity of housekeeper,) always came
on the day of the Bible meeting, and I have often heard her
relate with delight, how one day she came late, when all were
seated, and she was about to retreat from the dining-room,
seeing no place for her, when my father caught sight of her,
called after her most kindly, and placed her, as she expressed
it, " between himself and Lady Jane, in the very first seat in
the room." I have before said, how careful he was to be
attentive to guests of every degree, and these occasions would
furnish abundant proof that he was peculiarly kind to those
who might feel themselves a little less grand than their neigh-
bours. His own ministry, at the family readings, was very
striking and impressive. There was often a religious oppor-
tunity in the course of the evening, beside the usual readings,
and these were generally very solemn occasions. * * *

My father was devotedly attached to his brothers and sisters.
If I might single out one with whom he was especially united,
I should say it was my beloved uncle Buxton. His noble and '
enlarged intellect, joined as it was to the simplicity and humil-
ity of a Christian, and devoted to the highest purposes, was
peculiarly genial to my dearest father, while my uncle's enjoy-
ment of Friends' meetings, and "Friendly" doings, gave a
peculiar harmony to their intercourse. They were often to-
gether ; and he was one of my uncle's warmest and steadiest
supporters in all his undertakings, and almost equalled him
in the deep interest he took in them. * * *

Truly did he teach us by example, as well as precept, when
he utterly discouraged all criticism on other persons ; he could
not bear the least approach to satire, and never allowed us to
condemn anybody. If a remark, tending to disparage another,
was made, he always apologized for them, and when he could
not do this with truth, he never would allow us as children to
take upon us the office of judge. This was the case with all ;
but when it came to serious people, to ministers, he was, if

RECOLLECTIONS.

539

possible, still stronger on the subject, discouraging every
remark on their peculiar manner or address, and only urging
us to learn all we could from such. I should think there was
seldom a house where there was so little gossip about persons ;
for his own loving spirit and elevated tone of mind had a
powerful influence, not only on those about him, but on passing
guests and visitors. Another thing against which lie was
most careful to guard us, was the slightest disrespect, or even
familiarity, in our manner of speaking on serious subjects.
Some of the young people with whom we associated, were in
the habit of quoting texts of Scripture on common occasions,
not in ridicule, but in a careless way : this he never allowed ;
and he so impressed upon us the impropriety of thus disregard-
ing the difference between the Scriptures and other books, that
I cannot now hear such a thing done without real pain. I
think he was remarkable for bringing religion to bear on every
event in life, and letting us see that he did so ; while, at the
same time, he never weakened the feeling of reverence due to
the subject. He was much in the habit of referring to religious
matters in his conversation with us, and I think encouraged an
ease in us, in speaking of them ; yet this never descended into
too familiar a way of bringing them in. While he was very
careful to guard us from the flattery of others, and not to praise
us himself, yet he had a most encouraging influence over us ; a
few approving words from him were the greatest stimulus in all
our occupations, while his own example of constant industry
could not but tell upon us. I think he had a peculiar sympathy
with children, and there was something almost indescribable in
his gentleness towards us, even while reproving us. When I
"was sitting by him one day at dinner, a remark was made which
he saw pained me, and I remember how concerned he looked,
and how he tried, by little attentions, to make me feel that what
was said was rather too severe. How does kindness, when a
child's feelings are wounded, remain in the memory !

But it is time to pass on to later years. I was nearly
fifteen when my mother -died. We had a very happy summer,
taking an expedition all together in Wales, during my

540

HIS daughter's

brother's holidays. My dearest father held one or two de-
lightful meetings in Wales, taking the opportunity, of course,
of getting acquainted with any serious people. I remember
going with him to the little shop of some Methodists at
Conway, and his astonishing them much by asking them to
breakfast. They came, however, and were deeply impressed
by his kindness and his prayers for them. At Barmouth we
fell in with a number of Cambridge students, and also found
that Dr. Olinthus Gregory was staying there. He did not
neglect the opportunity ; asked them all to dinner, introduced
them to the doctor, and after dinner gave them some good
advice, and drew the doctor on to do the same. It might be
owing to some over-exertion in this journey, that I was
attacked with fever soon after our return home, and not long
after my recovery, my mother was prostrated by the same
complaint. Her illness was a very trying one ; the Bible-
Meeting guests had already begun to assemble in the house ;
and though during their stay we did not apprehend any serious
danger, yet it was of course very heavy work for my dearest
father. The house was but just cleared when the symptoms
became more serious, and he went through great depths of
anxiety and conflict. My aunt Rachel Fowler was most hap-
pily with us, so that the weight of nursing fell on her. On
the last morning we were lying on the bed in my mother's
sitting-room, that we might be within a moment's call ; he
was in deep affliction, looking to the stroke which was just
about to fall upon him, and speaking to me of the future ;
Avhen he said so kindly and encouragingly, " I think thou art
remarkably fitted, dear, to minister to my wants." I could
only answer by tears, for I felt how unequal I was to it ; but
I was deeply grateful for encouragement at such a moment,
and I believe I did all that I could, for I felt from that
time a new tie to him, and all my powers, such as they were,
were devoted to him. It was beautiful to observe how willing
he was to accept help and sympathy. He threw himself freely
on us in his distress, and he was most willing to be soothed
and comforted by each in their turn. This openness to sym-
pathy made it most easy to be with him in his deep sorrow.

RECOLLECTIONS.

541

Many of the hours we passed together I shall never forget.
He was in deep suffering at times ; whilst at others, light
seemed to break through all the clouds, and he looked beauti-
fully calm and elevated in his affliction.

About this time, too, we began to read the Greek Testament
regularly after breakfast ; — our aunt Rachel Fowler, who was
still with us, and a great comfort to us all, my father, John
Henry, and I. When any one was with us, who liked to join
us, they were always admitted ; and most interesting some of
these occasions were. It was a high privilege to read with
one who had so deeply studied the Greek Testament, and to
enjoy his fine views of Scripture truths, while his accurate
knowledge of the force of the original language, enabled him
to give us many most interesting explanations. He was very
patient with our blunderings, though it always annoyed him a
little, and he tried to stir us up to be as correct as himself. I
should think few, even professed theological students, had
studied the Greek Testament more thoroughly than he had
done. None, at all events, could more enjoy the daily reading
of it.

During the year 1836, my father and 1 went several little
journeys together ; and we were often at Upton. At that
time we travelled by coach, and I mention them partly for the
sake of saying how he kept to his rule of never "missing an
opportunity." He almost always managed to read the Scrip-
tures to our fellow-passengers, and often led the way to profit-
able conversation. I don't think he ever went in these public
conveyances without attempting to profit them, and he gene-
rally found willing and attentive hearers. How often have I
had occasion to remark, in going about with him, what a great
advantage his graceful, winning manners were to him, even in
the promotion of the cause which was dearest to his heart !
He used often to impress on John Henry the necessity of being
a thorough gentleman, and showed abundantly, by his own
example, that this was not in the least incompatible with the
" thorough Friend."

During the autumn of 1836, he was often exceedingly
oppressed, sometimes very silent. He was, indeed, under a

542

his daughter's

heavy weight ; for the prospect of his American journey was
beginning to open upon him, though not definitely as to the
time of its accomplishment.

We were at Upton on the night of the first of 1st month,
1837 ; and I have heard my father say, as he listened to the
"ringing out" of the old year, that he felt as if the new one
portended some great and solemn event to him, though he
could not tell what. However, the prospect cleared before
him as the spring advanced. I could not but dread it long
before he spoke to me of it ; but the announcement that he
made of it to John Henry and me, as we drove one day to
Fakenham, was almost overwhelming. He was, however, much
more quiet and comfortable than he had previously been, and I
was taken from my own sorrow in endeavouring to help and
cheer him, through all the pain that he must necessarily go
through. The day of the Monthly Meeting was truly an awful
one ; for early in the morning we received the account of the
sudden death of my aunt, Lady Harriet, to whom we were all
nearly attached, and whose end was as unexpected as it was
affecting. I believe, for the moment, he almost doubted whether
he could proceed with his intentions of asking for a certificate ;
but his mind soon became quite settled again, and a very solemn
and satisfactory meeting we had. I remember how much
sympathy was expressed for him, as well as the fullest unity.

In the spring of this year he attended the Yearly Meeting
in Ireland, my brother and I going with him. We had an
interesting time in Dublin ; I have the impression of his
ministry being very striking in some of the meetings for
worship, and the young Friends especially flocked around him.
After the Yearly Meeting, we took a charming excursion to
Killarney. Had it not been for the sense of approaching
separation, this would have been a most delightful journey.
We greatly enjoyed being together, and he was remarkably
comfortable. The beautiful scenery afforded him, as it always
did, great pleasure. How he did delight in all the charms of
nature ! I never knew any one, I think, who enjoyed them so
much, whether in the greater features of fine country, moun-

RECOLLECTIONS.

543

tains, lakes, &c, or in the smaller details of birds and flowers.
We returned to the Yearly Meeting in London, and afterwards
to Earlham, to prepare for his start in the seventh month.
My father was remarkably preserved in peace and quietness,
and completed all the arrangements he wished to make for
the management of his household during his absence. I was
glad to be allowed to go with him to Liverpool, with my
uncle and aunt Gurney, and my aunt Fry. It was rather
curious, that we were not many yards out of the park gate
before we were nearly overturned by one of the horses kicking.
We had to get hastily out of the carriage, but I shall never
forget the elevated serenity of his look as he smiled and said,
" the first of my dangers !" We had a remarkably interesting
occasion' before we got to Liverpool, in which he poured out
his prayers for aunt Fry, in a way which was a great comfort
to her, for she deeply felt his going, and had at the time much
upon her. The parting day came. I was far too much
overwhelmed to have a distinct recollection of it, but I know
there was a very solemn feeling over all, and that he was much
helped through every pain.

What shall I say of the long three years of his absence ? I
believe I may truly say I scarcely lost the sense of our separa-
tion for a moment.

When quite young, A. B. commenced a journal, noting the
occurrences of every day, and not unfrequently entering into
close and serious self-examination, as in the presence of that
Holy and All-seeing One, who looketh at the heart. This
practice was continued till the close of her brief career ; but
it is to be regretted that her earlier memoranda (which would
have given some insight into the gradual development of her
youthful Christian character) appear to have been destroyed.
A few extracts from those which have been preserved may be
suitably added to the foregoing reminiscences.

544

RECOLLECTIONS.

JOURNAL.

" 1837- Christmas Day. — I have long wished to resume iny
Journal, which I left off, at the end of 1835. In 1836, I travelled
with Papa, Aunt R. F., and John Henry, to the north of England,
Scotland, &c. ; and Papa was my chief object through that year.
The same, till the middle of this, when he left us, and is now in
America — thus, once more, seeming to alter everything. I am deeply,
and almost awfully, responsible for the many privileges I had, in being
so constantly, and so intimately, with him

Oh ! that I may have grace given me, to overcome the wickedness
of my heart, and now, to devote myself to the service of my Heavenly
Father."

"2Qth. — After breakfast, nice walk with Uncle Gurney, talking
about plans, our going to London, &c. I was provoked at myself, for
being quite low ; he was so like Papa ; but it was most delightful being
with him. . .'*•..'.

" How I do wish I was more inclined to serious thought. How much
depends on these thoughts; in words and actions one may escape
much apparent sin, for a little time, but in thoughts never ! at least,
so I find it."

" 1st Jay, 29th. — After meeting, two delightful letters from Papa,
bringing accounts for which we ought to be — I hope are — truly
thankful. What a mercy to be permitted to receive such !" .

" 2nd mo., Uth, 1838. — Letters from America most interesting
and delightful ; wanderings in Carolina and Virginia ; many things I
wrote about, he has taken no notice of, when I expected he would.
The fact is, separation is separation ; and it is, after all, but a poor
notion of one's real state, that letters sent across the Atlantic, convey.
I must, in future, set my account more for it. We have the greatest
cause to be thankful for such letters." >

" 1840. 8th mo., 17th — first day evening. — All the party gone to
meeting but me. I am not strong enough for two meetings, since my

RECOLLECTIONS.

545

attack of illness, for the recovery from which, so easily, I desire to
be thankful. I wish I could mark mure improvement in myself
since I last wrote. I have a hope that God has been pleased to draw
ine nearer to Himself, and He has allowed me to feel His graeious-
ness to my soul. I would also desire, thankfully, to acknowledge
that uiy prayers have not been disregarded, especially that I think I
see a marked improvement in religious feeling in J. H. We are also
looking with great happiness towards my dearest father's return.
How (with this list of mercies before me) shall I acknowledge, that
the pride of my heart continues very great, and that it has corrupted
my thoughts, words and actions. Self is an idol, which I fear I
worship more than I do my God ! Oh ! I would I were deeply
humbled on this account ; and as a very great sinner, I do now
entreat to be forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ ; and I do
earnestly desire that I may know Him as my Saviour and Sanctifier
through the Holy Spirit. That I may have pardon and grace. Be
pleased, 0 Lord, to pardon and to cleanse me."

Soon after making the foregoing entry, her heart was
gladdened by the return of her beloved parent to his native
land. The joyful event was announced to her, in the following
letters, from her Aunt Buxton and her Cousin C. B :

" Upton, August 18, 1840.

" My dearest Anna :

" One line I must send, to say we have seen thy beloved father !
He is just the same in all respects. He says he has much enjoyed a
beautiful voyage home, and comes back without a feather's weight
upon him — rested and relieved. So thee may be thankful, and enjoy,
and only enjoy, his return. "We had a large assembly to reading this
morning — a beautiful prayer for our little T. F. B., and a lively song
of praise and thanksgiving. It was peculiarly precious you may
suppose. He had a good night, and was, long before breakfast,
walking in the garden.

" Most affectionately, H. B."

" My dearest Anna :

"I must share the pleasure of telling thee, what an uncommon
delightful meeting we have had. It has been so easy and natural,

Vol. II. — 35

54G

RECOLLECTIONS.

and lie so exactly like himself, that I cannot tell thee what a rare
occasion of pleasure it has heen ; so full of interest, so quiet and de-
lightful. We bad been in instant expectation for more than an hour,
so we were of course all ready for the arrival, which was too deeply
interesting to be noisy. Dearest Uncle seems in true enjoy-
ment. ....... . .

" I regretted not being able to be at the reading, which turned out
so peculiarly interesting. .......

" Affectionately, C. Buxton."

The above letters were inserted in her journal, and she pro-
ceeds to describe this period of deep and heartfelt interest to
her, in her own sweet, simple way :

" The letters, from which the two last extracts were made, we re-
ceived on 4th day morning, the 20th of 8mo., 1840; and learned
from them that he would be with us in the evening. A long, long
waiting-day we had ! We had, most of us, woke early, and a strong
sense of excitement prevented any rest during the course of it. Our
party were the two aunts and myself, Bessie and John. Aunt
Catherine's prayer at reading, in the morning-, beautiful, calming, and
helping. We dined early, and were dressed and ready, by a little
after 6 in the evening, expecting them about 7. John stationed
himself at the hall-door; I at the window; there we sat till too dark
to see. The Birkbecks came and we all waited, in a most stupilied
state of exhaustion, till near 9; then we heard a carriage, and rushed
to the door. Tt was quite dusk; John Henry's voice was the first I
heard; 'We're all right; he's on the box with me.' Papa said,
' Gently, gently ;' I said, ' Don't hurry,' manfully. He clambered
down into my arms, and our first long kiss was much too overpowering,
for me to be able to describe the sensation ! While he greeted all
the others, I had time a little to get my breath, and we adjourned
into the dining-room to tea. Aunt Fry, Uncle and Aunt Buxton,
and John Henry, came with him. He was perfectly calm, easy, and
natural ; enjoying his meal ; talking little, but completely happy and
peaceful. The Buxtons soon went off to the Forsters, Aunt Fry up
stairs, John read a psalm, and we all went quietly to bed. The peace
felt then, and all the next day, was, to me, like that which was given
us when he went away at Liverpool — then, in the midst of great

RECOLLECTIONS.

547

sorrow — now in the midst of great joy, but the same peace ! It was
most delightful to sec him and John Henry together ! Everything
to me. We were to read at 8, and so were all up in good time. I
went to him before reading; read to him for a few minutes, just as
we used to do, but amid not talk to Mm as I intended. We
mustered, at reading, with John and Bessie, and all the servants of
course, about thirty. Papa shook hands with those he had not seeu
and then, sitting down, read the 14th of John. I cannot the least
describe the feeling of hearing his voice again in reading and iu his
lovely little comment afterwards, on, ' Because I live, ye shall live
also.' ...........

He finished, by repeating with the strongest emphasis, the words
of Job, " Oh, that my words were written— that they were graven
with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever, 1 1 know that my
Redeemer lirctlt.' " Aunt Fry returned thanks and offered prayer
in her own beautiful way, making especial mention of the two aunts.
John Henry and I had then a charming walk round the garden, with
him ; and for the first time, I began to feel easy and natural, and able,
thoroughly, to enjoy it. After breakfast, Papa and John Henry
hurried off to the Grove, and met us and the Buxtons and the
Forsters at the rneetingJiouse. This was most pleasant. We
watched him greet all the friends, who looked so pleased to see him ;
Aunt Catherine and Aunt Buxton busy, talking to everybody ;
people smiling with delight, and I, for one, receiving a whole host of
congratulations. It was deeply interesting to see him walk up the
meeting and take his own seat ; truly, thankfulness and solemnity
were given in no common degree, as we settled into silence. It was
first broken by dear old Frances Page kneeling down, and giving
thanks for his return most sweetly, and made more interesting by our
never having expected to see her at meeting again, six months
ago. Soon after, Papa rose. He thought he might employ the
words of the Psalmist, " Thou hast put gladness into our hearts,"
&c. ; that it was given him to feel unsullied peace, and what might be
compared to the cloudless sky. He went on to the foundation of
true cpuiet of mind; the principal ingredient of happiness; what
happiness was lasting; his experience of the faithfulnesss of his
Great Master during his long journey ; of the efficacy of the Scrip-
tures; of the Holy Spirit as the applicr ; of the foundation of a
Christian's hope ; ending with a strong appeal to attend to the gui-

548

RECOLLECTIONS.

dance of the Spirit. I can only give this slight sketch ; but his
standing in his old place proclaiming his views of religion, with his
testimony to them from fresh experience, was more striking to me
than I can express. After meeting, en masse the family walked off.
A fine party assembled at dinner — there was no great talking but all
happiness. As soon as the cloth was removed, Papa knelt down and
returned thanks beautifully, for his return to his dear peaceful home,
adorned in such beauty ; and prayed earnestly that self might be held
in no reputation, but that all praise and honour might be given
where alone they were due. Aunt Fry added a few words; a
hope that increased dedication might show forth thankfulness . . .

" Dear Uncle and Aunt Gurney, came on 5th day, in time for the
Monthly Meeting. In returning his certificate, Papa gave a slight
sketch of his journey, and he had his American certificates read —
from Ohio, Indiana, Carolina, Baltimore, New York and New
England; giving a good account of his "circumspect, consistent
behaviour," and "sound and edifying ministry." Most satisfactory
they were, and inexpressible was the contrast between giving up and
asking for his certificate. .......

" Fourth day was the Bible meeting : . . in the evening Papa was in
the chair; and his speech certainly most interesting. The connec-
tion between the religion of the Bible, and the just liberties of man-
kind. The story of the West Indies beautifully given, and familiarly.
The attention of the large meeting chained! He no where appears
more in his element than at Bible meetings, and no where more re-
vives one's baby recollections of him."

" Qth day. — Long ride with Papa to Ketteringham ; a great deal
of conversation with him : most easy and open. American letters,
his book, &c. I hope I am thankful for such a privilege, and for
being made at all able to meet his mind, which I am, to a certain
extent."

" 1840, 12th mo., 17th, ith day. — We post-chaised it most of the
way to Darlington. A warm reception at Polam. We staid there
till the 25th, fifth day, and very interesting was our visit." . . .

" Bd day. — Quarterly meeting : Papa very instructive in the

RECOLLECTIONS.

549

morning. His intimate mind, on this journey, has been pleasant,
indeed, to me, and the year closes with mercy all around."

"After meeting, walked home alone with Papa, and enjoyed it : inter-
esting conversation on the ministry, — the true source thereof, &c. It
is strange with all one's naughtiness, how one is able to see what is
meant by the differences in it. How that which does not seem the
real thing, as friends view it, is not so easy to take to, as that which
is livelier. But truly, I feel I have no right so to say, considering
how little I profit by all, or any. lie, as usual, strong about getting
the good from every one, and I felt that, as far as I dared have an
opinion, it was quite in unison with his. I enjoyed his freedom and
openness. Oh ! that I may not go backward, instead of forward, in
the course which I sometimes hope is begun. I need convincing
(what I know, too) again and again, that in me, that is, in my flesh,
dwelleth no good thing. Papa's remarks on Justification very sweet
(Romans v. 1, 2). Oh ! to know the thing itself!"

" Upton, 5th mo., 18th, 1841. — The day before yearly meeting, one
which, apparently, I shall have much cause to remember, and, I
trust, to be thankful for. The time at home, since I last wrote, was
passed very pleasantly. I was a great deal with Papa, and deep in
his interests, to my own comfort, and with wonderfully little dread
of what is now beginning in fact, if not in form. Proportionably
have I felt the pain now, which must attend such a change, as his
intentions, if carried out, will produce. Yet, truly, the balance in
the happiness-scale is great. We came here from Tottenham on
first day morning, after a pleasant visit at Runcton. * * * and
* * * were at meeting. Oh ! how earnestly do I desire that
I may deeply learn the lesson, which, with all its happy parts,
this change in our circumstances does, and ought to teach me,
of my being so nothiny ; that, though still I may have the closest
tie with dearest Papa, and with her, too, in addition, yet, as I can
no longer be the one, as I have had the privilege to be to him, that
it may increase my dependence on that Father, with whom com-
munion is only interrupted by our own sinfulness. I know that the
gain of such a friend, and the taking off by her of burden, will be
a wonderful advantage to me, and doubt not I shall estimate them
more and more. But there are pains, though always decreasing,

550

KECOLLECTIONS.

which it is right and natural to feel : and may it all prove, as it
ought to do, a teaching lesson. Oh ! may I so love, that it may
work for good ; and may the spirit of thankfulness be given me for
the mercies bestowed, for the happiness granted to dearest Papa.
How interesting is the thought of his losses, his services, his re-
compenses ! He is so sweet and trustful."

"Upton, 5lh mo., 2'2d, 1841. — On fourth day our meeting began :
it was interesting and solemn

" On the whole, I am abundantly satisfied with the Yearly Meet-
ing. The general tone seems to me to be so richly evangelical,
so fine, setting up so high a standard; and often the meetings
have been so solemn, as to confirm Friendliness to my mind
very comfortably. It is a great satisfaction to me to find the
cogitations I have had over it, by myself, and with the Bible,
during the last three years, so clench in with the reality of the
thing now, as exemplified in these meetings. What an amazing
privilege to be satisfied with the religious society you belong to : to
feel that the causes of dissatisfaction were in yourself alone, or in
those cases where the true principle is not legitimately carried out.
I write this, that I may have my own record for myself, should I
again be troubled with the doubts and difficulties that I sometimes
have had." ..........

" 4t7i mo., 23r7, 1842. — It certainly is not because I have had
nothing to say, that I have so long delayed continuing my journal.
The three months following the last entry, were as full of interest as
possible ; the two first occupied by our foreign journey, and the last
by our return, ending with my father's marriage, on the 21st of
tenth month. Of our journey on the Continent, to Prussia, Den-
mark, &a, there is an account in my letters to Aunt R. Of the
rest of the time, hitherto I have had little inclination to make a
record, having been afraid, during part of it, of being intimate even
with myself. But it is now quite different; we are perfectly settled,
each in our own nook, and have every reason to be thankful and
happy. My mother is, of course, quite established, and, I think,
increasingly happy in her position. All our relations are exceedingly
fond of her. The pleasure of our home is very decidedly increased

RECOLLECTIONS.

551

by her presence. Papa is supplied to his utmost wishes, and I need
not, therefore, add that I am most comfortable. I very highly prize
her love and friendship, and am more light-hearted, in its true sense,
than I have been able to be, since I was fourteen."

" 1st day, the 3d. — Papa, who is better, had a large public meeting
in the evening, at the Gildencroft. I have seldom heard him more
excellent. His text was, 'When He, the spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth.' He first beautifully unfolded the
work of the spirit in the Church of Christ, and then its operation
on the heart of individuals in convincing, converting, cleansing.
His description of its effect in bringing to the cross was very
striking."

" Cromer, 1st day afternoon, 1th mo., 10th, 1842. — I do not like
this day to pass without making a little record of my own state, and
of the family interests that surround us just now, even if I cannot
tell the history of the past week. We have had a precious, but
touching, little meeting, this morning, in the dining-room here,
(Lord Hasting' s lodgings.) The party consisted of Uncle. aud Aunt
Fiy and Katharine, Uncle Buxton, Papa, my Mother and me. It
was touching to look on some of them. Aunt Fry, Uncle Buxton,
Papa, all three in so frail a state, and though we must not do any-
thing but hope, (and I think we shall see them much better,) yet we
cannot deny to ourselves that their present infirm condition does
make us anxious. The silence of our little gathering was very sweet,
and I felt really cpiiet, which I think is a true favour. Aunt Fry
spoke in her own lovely way, alluding to the infirmities of mind and
body, with which they were surrounded, and of the strong consolation
derived from knowing their dependence to be placed on the Physician
of value — on the unfailing refuge in their reconciled God.

' " Papa added a few words in the same strain, finishing with a
most touching expression of his belief, that to some of them death
had indeed been robbed of its terrors, and that they could look
with calmness to the entrance through the pearl gates into everlast-
ing life !

"Aunt Fry soon knelt down, and besought that in all things,
whether they were raised up or cast down, whether the desires of

552

RECOLLECTIONS.

their eyes for themselves, or others, were given them, or not, yert,
that in all things, the name of the Lord might he magnified and
exalted. It certainly was very sweet ; and I believe even the
naughtiest of the party — which, I suppose, was I — did, and do most
earnest!}7, desire to leave all things in his hands', who knows what is
right; and even to try, and wish for nothing but that devotion to
Him, which He, in his mercy, will give, even to the weakest and
naturally most sinful.

"Evening. — After this, I took a nice little walk on the shore with
K. Fry. We compared notes about the dear invalids, and we could
not feel much encouraged about them. Then I read and rested ;
and when my Parents went out, wrote the beginning of this. I
joined them, on the shore, directly afterwards, and seldom enjoyed
a walk more — the sun was shining brightly, and the sea looked
lovely; and though I did not feel in high spirits, either about Papa,
or my own private interests, yet I was comforted by a touch of that
peace of which the remembrance alone is always so precious. Papa
has been rather better this afternoon, and we had quite a large meet-
ing in our dining-room, in which both he and Aunt Fry spoke in an
interesting way, on Love, Charity, and Unity — on the doctrine of
redemption, and on the fruits of the Spirit. Thus the day has been
one of rather peculiar refreshment, and I shall not soon forget, I
think, the quietness and rest of it."

" Cromer, 1st day evening, 7th mo., 17th, 1842. — In the evening,
Papa and my Mother returned from Norwich — he very poorly — and
altogether his poor state has been a true trial. I have been excessively
anxious about him ; and on fifth day, at meeting, I could only ask
and beg for submission whatever came. He is better now, however;
and, oh ! if the favour of his real restoration is given us, we shall
have new cause to be thankful, very thankful indeed." ....

"Eaultiam, 1st day evening, 8th mo., 14th. — I have been sitting
under one of the trees by the lawn, reading part of David's histoiy,
and musing; desiring good things for myself and John Henry. Oh !
how I wish we may be right, not only in the general, but that we may
not be permitted to take a path ever so little wrong. May we be granted
very perceptible guidance, grace to obey it when it is given, and pati-
ence to wait for it till it is. I have been wishing for, or, at least,

RECOLLECTIONS.

553

feeling the necessity of more complete devotion to my heavenly
Father, and of that deep-seated love and gratitude to my Saviour,
which springs from real appropriating faith in Him, and forms the
right motive of action and feeling. The idea of ' abiding in Him/
has often been much with me, the last few days. I had a poor
meeting this morning, and sadly find coldness and distraction, when
I ought to find love and fervor in my mind at these times. Oh ! that
I may not prove at last a ' whitcd sepulchre !' I had a warm greeting^
from Harriet Long and the school children, and rather a nice reading
with them on the last first day. The place looks delicious, and we
have reason to be very thankful for returning to it, in such peace and
comfort, and with Papa so much better, as he is. ...

"The principal interests of the week have been dear Hannah
Scarnell's death, and some interesting and very intimate con-
versations with * * * * *, Thus the peace of Heaven, and
the conflicts of earth have both been brought under my view; and,
strange to say, my inclination is, I think, to dwell on the ' turmoil,'
to forget the ' rest.' Dear Hannah Scarnell died on third day after-
noon. I was with her, to my comfort, both then and the day previous.
The last thing, I think, which she heard, was the hymn, 'To Jesus,
the crown of my hope,' which I read to her, and in about twenty
minutes after she peacefully expired. I felt it very sublime to be
with her alone, as I was, until within about a quarter of an hour of
her death. It was an elevating sight ; but I am almost afraid of
losing my sense of the awfulness of death, in watching it repeatedly,
and, in each case, seeing something so perfectly peaceful. I shall
most truly miss her, and I felt her funeral this morning like
that of a near relation. I was quite overcome at the grave. We had
a solemn time : I was very low, and have been rather so all day. I
have had some strange, flitting ideas before me, often ; especially
when going up the drive to the grave-yard. If I die soon, am I pre-
pared ? is a question which I do not ask myself, perhaps, so seriously
as I ought ; but the idea is not unfrequcntly before me. Happily,
' the one thing' is what we want for death or life, and that I do
earnestly desire. I have enjoyed some settlement — reading and
drawing. A little success in the latter, has made me really vain. I
am ashamed to write it, but so it is ! While such like foolish sins
continue to exist, perhaps flourish, in me, how can I have a true part

554

RECOLLECTIONS.

in Him,* who is made unto us 'wisdom, righteousness and sanctifica-
tion, as well as redemption?' May it be granted in abundant
mercy."

"Earliiam, Sth mo., 21th, 1842. — I came from Northrepp's on
seventh day, after a very interesting week : was much with Aunt
Buxton, and truly liked it : they are all most kind, as usual — liking
to have me. There are one or two points to be remembered, for my
own benefit. First, we went seriously into the difference between
Church and Friends. It rather frightened me to talk of such things,
lest I should get the least unsettled; but I was thankful to feel con-
firmed in the belief, that to me, at least, the profession of Friends is
' a more excellent way' than any other. Yet Chenda and I never
felt more united, I think, in the depths; and the working out of
our principle of divine guidance, was, even in her own experience,
rather remarkably exemplified."

Surrounded, as she was, by loving and beloved relatives,
who, whilst under a different religious administration, were
themselves shining as "lights in the world," it was no easy
thing, for this dear young creature to persevere in the narrow
and restricted path of self-denial and the daily cross, marked
out for her, by her affectionate and watchful parent ; but,
finding that his wishes were confirmed by the witness for God
in her own heart, she was enabled, by the aid of Divine Grace,
to "hold fast the profession of her faith without wavering,"
"firm unto the end."

11 \th day. llcceived my Father and Mother to dinner. Our
meeting has been delightful, only clouded by Prout's letter to my
Father. But I am not very anxious through everything.

" 7 th day night, 11th mo., 19th, 1842. — We have had a most
pleasant re-settlemcnt at home. I never more luxuriated in my nest
— my rooms, and horse, and leisure, so delightful. I never more
enjoyed my Father and Mother and J. H. We have had but one
cloud, and that, the anxiety about Papa, who has been, at times, very
poorly, especially the beginning of this week. Now we are much

RECOLLECTIONS.

555

encouraged again. Prout speaks favourably; and, I trust, we may
once more have to rejoice and be thankful. Prout says he has been
on the edge of a precipice, and has put him on the strictest regimen.
It is beautiful to see how my father takes this little cross, and how
quiet and peaceful he is. He looks very lovely, and heavenly almost,
in his expression. I dare not think of anything but his perfect res-
toration to health. May we all have patience to wait the rigid
time for this blessing; and may we have also submission, while it is
withheld!" f: . itv «744Mf

" 7th day, 11th, Vlmo., 1842. — What a time it is since I wrote ;
but I feel much relieved, in being able to give a better account of
Papa. He has certainly improved much, especially the last week.
He was a good deal troubled in mind, about making arrangements
for the servants having no beer, a plan which was difficult and dis-
agreeable to execute. I can't say how I disliked it; though I have
been obliged to confess that I did not disapprove it. But it has been
truly humbling, and given trouble enough.

" On fourth day, the 30th, he had them all up in the drawing-
room, in the evening, and had a very interesting meeting with them,
ending in solemn prayer."

" 7th day. — This morning, children; Bible, cxix. P.'s;
Chalmer's; letters, letters, letters! disappointed, indeed, to find my
father and mother not coming home till third day. I am tired of my
solitary life ; and was rather alarmed at receiving the new butler this
morning. Papa gives a satisfactory account of his visit to Prout,
and Prout's opinion of him, that I felt I must not be cross at his de-
tention, and could not, also, but think that (raised up, as I believe he
is, and will be by Him, who appears to grant our fervent desires and
petitions on his behalf,) we dare not grudge him for the services of
his Lord and Master. I have had one long letter from J. H. — a
very great treat, especially as showing his thought and kindness to
me. To Keswick, this evening. All very kind. And now I feel it
strange to be writing this last evening of the year, and rather strange
to end the year here, all alone, as I am now ! What can I say of the
past year ? Its outward circumstances have been, in some respects,
very weighty from my father's state ; but I greatly feel the blessing
of that care being now lightened. It is a thorough relief, and I

556

RECOLLECTIONS.

do trust may be continued to us. Altogether, looking at our present
condition, I feel how happy a one it is, most entirely. John Henry
so truly affectionate to me, and satisfactory in other matters. My
father and mother in better health, blessing others, and being blessed
themselves. My home abounding in luxuries and privileges. I can-
not but wish, as I write, that nothing may arise to disturb me from
it, before the end of '43, should I live to see it. As to the internals
of the past year, I much felt this morning, my deficiencies ; the want
of devotion, the depth of pride, which had been exhibited in it j but
I have, also, in a little measure, felt the rolling off of that burden on
Him, who has set me free from the consequences of sin, who, I Jo
desire, will set me free from the power of it. May I bope, that my
faith in Him has been somewhat strengthened and enlarged."

"Earlham, 7th day evening, 'Imo., Wth, 1843. — My room. I
cannot write a long account of the past fortnight, but it has been an
interesting one. I soon found that my parents' minds were drawn
towards Manchester, and towards helping H. C. B. there. I had
nothing to object ; so after a few very quiet and pleasant days together,
in which I luxuriated in them, and my home comforts and occupa-
tions, they went away on fifth day last, and are only returned this
evening, after a prosperous and satisfactory, though tiring, journey.
It is not the least agreeable to me to miss them so much as I have
done lately ; but it is particularly pleasant to me to believe, that our
sweet unity and naturalness, one with another, is not broken by it
Intimate daily dependence, such as papa used to have on me, is not
now the thing to be expected ; but the comfort is great, of finding all
the material part of it, ahcays there."

"1843. 1th day evening, 4th mo., 29th. — I must put down a few
words before I go to bed. The week has been an interesting one,
and, in some ways, delightful, especially my intercourse with dearest
John Henry.

" On second day evening, he and I were alone, and wc discoursed
from seven till half past ten, on himself chiefly, dear fellow. It
afresh excited the warmest desires of my heart, for his help and
guidance, and that he may be satisfied with finding his right
path in every way, especially, of course, that in religious matters
he may take exactly the position designed for him. His affection

RECOLLECTIONS.

557

and generosity, this week, when I have been particularly thrown
upon him, have been very delightful to me. His openness of
mind and heart has been all I could wish or ask, and brings back
many an anxious hour to my remembrance, when he seemed so
locked vp to me. How earnestly I have desired this breaking down
of barriers between us — how heartfelt should my thankfulness be to
Him, who has so fully grauted this request. Surely I may take it
as an encouragement to believe, that in all things He will be pleased
to make this darling brother what I so truly desire he may be. It
has often puzzled me, why I mind more about his being good than
about my own self being so. I cannot say how much I feel the pro-
spect of giving up the daily intercourse by which our close tie has
been made, yet I also feel the great comfort of perceiving it to be so
strong, that such daily intercourse is no longer necessary, and much
of intimate communication will, I trust, be very possible to us, even
when separated."

"Paris, 5th mo., 14th, 1843, 1st day night. — And here I really
am with my dearest parents ! I cannot keep much record in this
way, and attempt no real journal but what I write home, yet a little
may be accomplished. The bustle of leaving was great, and stupify-
ing to feeling, of which I was glad. It was however, comfortably
accomplished, and all necessary things done."

"We arrived on seventh day morning, and had a sweet reception.
How heartily I do wish that my joining my dearest parents may
indeed be a help to them. To be ever so little with them, is a great
privilege, and to be anything like a help in such an engagement as
this, a still greater. I much feel the weight of our journey, and
think Papa but poorly. We had a large philanthropic party here on
seventh day evening, and three very interesting religious occasions
to-day. Aunt Fry is most delightful as usual, and I have enjoyed
meeting the Countess Pelet, and some other of our Parisian friends
again."

" Lyons, 1st day afternoon, 5th mo., 2Sth, 1843. — I have been
reading over what I wrote this day fortnight, at Paris, and I think
our journey since that, has really prospered. We left Paris on fourth
day, after the dear parents had had a capital interview with the
Royal family, and were quite relieved. We have had some pleasant

558

RECOLLECTION'S.

days' travelling, and many interesting meetings and engagements of
that nature. It has been our business to find out the little body of
Protestants in each town, and a sweet set they are, so simple, so
warm-hearted. Here the way has opened remarkably for meetings
with the people, and though we entered the place as strangers, we
are now surrounded with kind friends. I never felt anything more
'weighty' than some of these meetings, and never saw Papa more
oppressed and burdened before-hand; but one after another has been
wonderfully got through. .......

" I have enjoyed very much being with my parents, and am truly
glad I came. We have sometimes had a particularly quiet, peaceful
feeling, and after the bustle of home too, the quiet hours in the
carriage have been most refreshing to me. I like to meditate on the
past, present and future, as relates to myself. There, being full of
occupation of late, I have been too much taken up for my good or
comfort, and have especially been too much curtailed in my own
Bible-reading, which never answers. To-day has been a very sweet
one. Our own quiet, little meeting, this morning, was delightful,
and the time for thought and reading since really valuable, I was
so tired with a long day of standing about in the prisons yesterday,
that I do not go out to-day at all scarcely; and I hope there has been
some little coming back to those precious comforts, which I miss so
far more than I need, by neglecting to seek them. The forgiving
love ! how constantly one has to come back to that. I think I have
felt it a little to-day, and surely I need it."

"Congenies, 1st day, 6th mo., 14/A, 1843. — I am too tired, after a
very full day, to write much, but I must just say that our journey
has been very interesting since I wrote last. I shall not soon forget
the relief of quitting Lyons, with the sense of the work being so
satisfactorily accomplished, and with Papa so easy and happy in mind.
The last meeting was exceedingly solemn, and all our dear friends
showed us the greatest warmth and kindness. I cannot doubt that
an impression was made there. It has been so beautiful to me to see
both sides of the picture, to watch one scene of labor presented after
another. At first it all looks shaded, but by degrees the light breaks
in, and the way opens for each concern as it comes, in a manner
most interesting to watch, and curiously confirming of our Quaker
way of going to work. ........

RECOLLECTIONS.

" Here, I am real]}- enjoying myself. My parents arc in such good
spirits, and less oppressed, than sometimes, with their work; the
Country is so delightful, and the Friends such a, very interesting
group, that our stay here is quite a refreshment. I have begun to
visit the families with my father and mother, which I really like, and
find very interesting to watch ; sometimes T have thought the occa

sions exceedingly solemn I truly value the opportunity

of watching Papa in his work of this sort, and was never so much
struck before with his beautiful, heavenly spirit. He does seem so
full of (/race ; how I do desire that abundance of a gift so precious
may be given to us all. To those of whom I think so often, and
about whom I care so much in these matters, as well as to myself ; I
write that I desire it, so I do ; but I am afraid I sometimes rest satis-
fied with a vague desire ; and to the mere wisher no promise of
supply is given."

" Congentes, 6th mo., 2ith, 1th day afternoon. — Another remark-
able fortnight has passed away, and the last week I had rather give
an account of here, than in my journal letters. We have had truly a time
of deep anxiety, but now are relieved and happy to a delightful de-
gree. The beginning of last week was spent in finishing the family
visits, some of which were really remarkable.

" On fifth day we were to go to St. Hypolite. Papa came down,
looking very tired, and said he had had a very bad night. We did
not think much of it, however, and proceeded on our journey. At
Fontaness we met a few Friends, and had an interesting little meeting
with the Brun family and others. We were glad to reach St. Hypo-
lite, after a tedious tiring drive. Papa had another poor night, and
seemed very much fatigued the next morning, when we had a little

meeting with Friends It was painful to see him in the

public meeting in the evening. He could scarcely stand, and looked
sadly poorly. Another feverish night, and we started for Congenies
in the morning. A meeting was appointed in the little village of
C. and when we arrived at the Friend's house, where we
expected to be comfortably entertained, we found a poor dirty little
kitchen, with a roasting fire, the weather being then so hot that we
scarcely knew how to bear being exposed to the sun, even for a
minute. Poor Papa was taken with a violent shivering fit, and we
clambered up some narrow stairs to the family bed-room, for him to

560 RECOLLECTIONS.

rest. Our hostess snatched up a dirty child from a dirty bed, and,
apologizing for her husband having been using it to rest after his
•work, she left us, and we put Papa there ! He was so ill, that, had
the place been decent, we dare not have moved again ; but after
an hour's rest, he was wonderfully enabled to speak at a little meeting,
in a very striking manner. The earnestness with which he delivered
his message, almost frightened me. There was something truly awful
about it, which suited too well with our growing anxiety about him.
A strong young man helped him by the little stony pathway, about
two hundred yards, to the carriage. We were glad enough to have
him there : but I shall not soon forget the drive that followed. He
kept saying, ' I can't describe the sense of fatigue I have; it is inex-
pressible. And the journey seemed as if it never would come to an
end. Most welcome was our little home here, which looked indeed
luxurious, after what we had left. George Majoler supported him
from the carriage to his own room, and there he was soon in bed,
with a high, burning fever upon him, an oppressed chest, and every
appearance of great illness. The Majoliers wanted me to send off
for the Nismes doctor, without asking my parents; but this I did not
feel easy to do, and, though I thought him very ill, I had no fear of
inflammation, or present danger, which they thought apparent. My
parents passed a sad night, and the Sabbath rose upon us in a low

condition truly That day and the next, and the next,

were most trying. I could scarcely speak to my mother, as we did
not leave the room together. But she was beautifully enabled to do
everything for him. I never saw more perfect management of mind
and body than she exercised over him. They were neither of them
inclined for a doctor, and, though the fever was running on, yet there
appeared no alarming symptom. We kept our anxieties to ourselves,
and many a sad remembrance came back to me, as I tried to recollect
all the symptoms of mamma's case, which was so similar, though
more violent. If this run on as her's did, I thought his strength
was little prepared to meet it, and the result was what I dared not
glance at. Yet it was most sweet to know in whose hands we were,
and there was a feeling of His mercy over us, which was a support,
indeed. I desired much to be made perfectly submissive, but it was
a harder thing than I should have thought, to come to, and Papa's
very suffering state was truly affecting to witness. At last I ventured
to name the doctor to my father ; it made him nervous, and he could

RECOLLECTIONS.

5G1

not bear my mentioning it ; but, several hours after, he said lie thought
it would be better to see him, and my mother and I begged G. M. to
start very early the next morning for him. That night, however,
relieved our dear patient by a violent perspiration suddenly coming
on, in consequence of some medicine my mother gave him ; and,
though often very suffering, he has never had much fever since.
When I went to him in the morning (while my mother left him to
dress), he told me he felt excessively ill, and did not think he should
recover; giving me directions about her, &c. I did not really think
it was so, and was angry with myself for giving way to anything of
the sort; yet I could not quite restrain my tears as he spoke to me
in this way, in a very weak voice, with perfect composure, indeed,

but with much feeling The day brightened, however,

as it went on, and he was really better before the doctor came, who
confirmed us in our belief of its being bilious fever, but said he
thought it subsiding. That night we persuaded my mother to leave
him, and I really enjoyed my post by his side. It was the first good
night he had had, and it was perfectly delightful to hear him sleeping
soundly, and made me very thankful and happy. Since that time
he has been steadily mending, and is now regaining his strength, so
that we hope to go away on second day. It is, indeed, a relief be-
yond what I can say, to have him thus, and raises a feeling of thank-
fulness, such as I have not often had before, to Him who has pre-
served him from going further into the depths of illness, from which
in his weak state of health we could hardly have hoped he would
rise. Had this fever gone on, as they generally do, I can scarcely
think his strength could have stood it, seeing how very much he had
been reduced by five days of it. He could not stand or walk alone,
before to-day. Most sweetly, at reading, this morning, he expressed
his sense of the mercy he had experienced." . . . .

" Berne, 1th mo., 30th, 1843. First day. — Just five weeks since
I last wrote. Truly the first word here should be one of hearty
thankfulness ; and as I have been reading over the last page or two,
it makes me ashamed of the flat state I am in to-day. My father is
very nicely again, after much anxiety about him, during his slow
restoration, which was made slower by the difficulty of diet and the
other irregularities of travelling. We think him now very nearly as
well as before his illness. Our journey has been truly interesting;

Vol. II. — 3G

i

562

RECOLLECTIONS.

and it is a great comfort to have arrived in safety, and with the dear

parents' minds thoroughly relieved We have also had

the treat of charming scenery at Grenoble, on the lake of Geneva,
and at Cbamouni. Finally, we have enjoyed a great deal of pleasant
intercourse with many kind friends at Geneva, and seen one or two
' Lions,' as D'Aubigne, Gaussin, Vinet, &c. My father's objects at
Geneva have been well accomplished, and I think it has been
remarkably given them to soften prejudice, and to promote Christian
unity."

" Basle, 8th mo., 13th, 1843. First day. — I have been reading an
account of the Crucifixion, this morning, and, also that splendid
Epistle to the Hebrews. So wonderful and so grand as it is ! Oh !
to drink more deeply of that boundless love, and to know something
of. the 'joy unspeakable,' and that we may not be in the least de-
ceived, or in any way taking up a false rest. I do not like to go to
bed without mentioning the very interesting evening which we have
passed. A solemn meeting first, then supper, and a memorable time
with thirty-seven of the students in the same room. A fine set of
young men they are, and animated apparently by a fine spirit. It
was impossible not to look at them with great interest, many of them
soon to leave, and all, before five years are over, to be scattered
through the world. What a focus of light may that company be !
And how much, poor things, they may have to suffer ! Papa addressed
them in a striking way, and the whole thing has been a delightful
conclusion to our Swiss journey; 'an evening,' as Dr. Pinkerton
said, 'to be remembered by us all.' Parting with Switzerland is
like parting with an old friend. What a delightful time, on the
whole, we have had here, and what a very remarkable opening has
been made in one place after another for the work !"

" Brussels, 8th mo., 21th, 1843. First day. — This is the best date
of all. So near home, as it looks. We are all much pleased to be
so near the end of our expedition, most interesting as it has been.
This day week, we were at Stuttgard. I think our stay there was as
interesting as any part of our journey. We were completely bird-
limed, till the King came home to be visited, and then our striking,
solemn time with him, and the Queen, and their children, was one
long to be remembered ! not only for its own interest, but as a proof,

RECOLLECTIONS.

563

that true, real concerns are always brought about in some way. We
have had a rapid journey from Stuttgard, by the Rhine and railroads,
and now hope to be off for England to-morrow. Papa returned
thanks in our little meeting, this morning, for all the mercies we had
experienced. Truly they have been many. How well I remember
the end of our last journey, in 1841, and how I used to ponder on
our return — on Papa's marriage, as 1 do now on my own. I always
thought I should not mind my own so much, and I do not in
some ways, though at times, I hardly know how to think of it, or
realize to myself the idea of leaving home ! I have thought much
and deeply of it the last few days ; and, oh ! that He who appointeth all
for me, may condescend himself to bless every step every day. I long,
as it were, to creep under his shelter in thinking of the effort, and the
excitement of the next two or three months ; and have had some
real comfort in reflecting on the mercies of a Heavenly ' Father.'
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty.' However far I may be from
anything so blessed, yet that is what I long for, and what perhaps I
may one day have a taste of! But I am afraid that if anybody had
seen me sometimes the last few days, most inconveniently tearful
eyes would have told a tale of a heart too trustless, and too ungrateful.
But it is impossible not to feel this return home exceedingly ; though
considering what it is, I am little troubled with fear or anxiety,
touching, as it is, to think^of quitting my own dear ones, and weighty
to think of a new series of duties, and a new sphere altogether." . .

"Earliiam, 9th mo., Gth, 1843 We left Brussels

on second day morning, and had a long day's journey to Dunkirk —
to Calais on third. There, Josiah Forster left us ; but the weather
not being tempting, we concluded to remain till the next morning.
We had a profoundly quiet day. I felt it was such a day of repose,
as I had not had for long, and should not have soon again. But I
greatly felt coming to the end of the journey, and the end of this
time with my parents."

"Earlfiam, 2d day. — We came down here, arriving quite late.
It was delightful to meet J. H." ......

"Zdday. — We did greatly enjoy this dear place, which looked

564

RECOLLECTIONS.

more lovely than ever, and, I hope, felt truly thankful to be again
here, and Papa so nicely." .......

" oth day night, 9th mo., 27th, 1843. — I write to-night chiefly to
record the capital Bible meeting yesterday. We had the usual large
party to breakfast. The meeting looked thin, when we entered, but
I never heard a better set of speeches. The Bishop, Uncle Cun-
ningham, Pryor, Alexander, and then Papa. It was quite a treat to
hear him, in his best manner, describe the need, and the effect of the
distribution of the Scriptures on the Continent; its effect in op-
posing infidelity on one hand, superstition on the other ; and leading
them to the religion of the New Testament, ' without diminution,
without addition, and without compromise.' It was listened to with
great attention, and had its impression on many who were there.
Bather an unusual set — twenty-six clergymen. I love to see Papa
in such a place, so completely in his atmosphere as he is; and the
whole feeling was glowing towards the cause itself."

" The days do bring their trial with them, and we are just now
clouded by Aunt Fry's illness. The accounts are very discouraging.
I cannot bear to think how it may end. My Cousin Hudson Gurney
has been very ill also. Thus things look gloomy, and I feel the
effect of them. A sense of dependence on a never failing Protector,
alone makes these times easy; and truly my desires are very often
raised to Him for his guiding, teaching help. What should I be
without that, in looking forward into life ! I know I ought to be very
thankful for all the mercy shown me ; but I am afraid that I am too
apt to be overweighted by the oppressive sense of leaving so much
that is dear, and of meeting so much that I know nothing or little
about. But,

" 'What thou shalt to-day provide,

Let me as a child receive ;
What to-morrow may betide,

Calmly to thy wisdom leave.'"

11^7i mo., 4th. — "I have been very, very busy — packing to super-
intend— farewell calls to make, &c. &c. I have been a good deal
with Aunt C. My parents and John Henry between times. I
cannot enter much on my own mind. I am often truly low, and
inconveniently tearful ; but, on the whole, I get on fairly, and am
quite tranquil, with a little trust in Him, who is Almighty —

RECOLLECTIONS.

565

enabled to believe tbat He will help, sustain, and guide, keep
me near Himself, and teach me to serve and love Him, as I desire
to do. Duties of every sort rise before me. Oh ! may the help for
them be abundantly given. Uncle Forster's sermon, this morning,
wonderfully fine."

On the 9th of 11th mo., she became the wife of John Church
Backhouse of Darlington.

" I am very quiet in mind, surprisingly so, to myself, and I have
got through almost all my business. Oh ! may it be, that in the
coming week, over every interest, and every conflict, there may
spread that sheltering wing, which is extended by the God of peace ;
and in hearty trust in Him, may we be carried through each suc-
cessive effort in His fear, and with quiet confidence in Him as our
Father! I dare not touch on the details past or to come; but T
think I may look forward to the hope of a happy tranquillity this day
week. If I do not write again until my marriage, surely I must say
before I end, how greatly I desire to acknowledge, with deep thank-
fulness, the innumerable mercies I have received up to this point in
my life. ' Bless the Lord, oh, my soul ! and forget not all His
benefits.' I desire that tins may be my motto." . . .

" Nottingham, l\th mo., 12th, 1843. — I cannot say how earnest
have been my desires on behalf of my beloved brother, tLat, if he
lose, by my leaving him, something of help and encouragement in
his religious course, it may, through mercy, be abundantly made up
to him, by the same Gracious Hand which calls me away. I feel
how little I have done, in this, or any other way, for him, dear
fellow; but I know, now, in leaving, how deeply I have clung to
him, and how constantly my heart has boon filled with love and care
for him. It shows me how mercifully I am provided for, when the
place of such as he, and even of my precious parents, seems supplied.
Sometimes, I must confess, I should have been almost overwhelmed
with the change of position, and all it involves, had it not been for
the belief, that an ever-present Father is with us, our shield and our
stay — one in whose hands are all things.

" Letters from home, this morning, have been sufficiently touch-
ing; especially the account of my dearest father's feeling my de-

566

RECOLLECTIONS.

parture a good deal more than I expected be would. It has brought
to my mind all the unusual privileges I have enjoyed, and that verse
in Isaiah iv., has been solemn to me tbis morning: 'What could I
have done more to my vineyard tban I have done in it ?' ... I
have been full of desire — I think I may say prayer — this morning,
for the precious gift of grace for us, that all-sufficient grace which
guides, and helps, and teaches, and protects. How much I have to
be thankful for, in knowing something of its helping power in my
single life ! May it be the first thing which ice seek, and may it
guide every step of our way."

"Polam Hill, Villi mo., 22d, 1843, 5th day evening. My
room. — As this, I suppose, is my last night at Polam, I will try and
say a few words of the mouth we have spent here ; I feel it has been
a month like all the others of this 1843, very full of life ; one that
I shall not soon forget. We have had a luxurious habitation in this
beautiful house, to which I feel epiite attached; and, amongst all the
odd things, it has not been the least to find myself mistress in a
place with which I have such different associations !

"We arrived on fifth day, the 22d of 11th month. I felt coming
very much. My new parents and Eliza met us here and gave us a
very warm reception. Once, for all, I must say how heartily kind
they have been to me, all three of them. ... I cannot write
all I would about these dear ones, but truly I ought to be thankful
that such a family is the one I have entered. . . . Their kind-
ness is so genuine and hearty, and their reception of me has been so
truly cordial, that I could not but prize the love from which it
springs. Especially I feel the value of the dear Aunts at West
Lodge, and of my dear cousin, Emma Pease, and her party. Per-
haps, if coming here does me no other good, it will at least make me
perceive advantages and privileges under a new shape.

" Blackwell pleases me very much. We are to begin to-morrow
our life there, . . . and it makes me rather low to-night, to think
of the responsible position which the mistress of a family occupies.
I have not often more strongly felt how greatly I need help ; yes,
even grace, which is the help. I fear the period I have spent here,
has been one in which the occupations of mind and thought have
diverted me from the diligent seeking of that grace, and I ought to
be humbled under a sense of my own cold-heartedness and neglect-

RECOLLECTIONS.

507

fulness. 'Fervent in spirit,' I wish to be my motto; but how very
little has it characterized me the last few weeks. We had an in-
teresting, rousing visit from Benjamin Seebohuij but, except that,
outward helps in these things, have not been great. I miss Papa's
Christian spirit over me ; but I desire to remember, that, where we
are providentially placed, there, if we prosper not, it is our own
fault; and sometimes I do know and feel, that my Heavenly Father,
in his forgiving love, does not cast me off.

" I have much enjoyed our daily readings. Oh ! if we may in-
deed have abundance of the { dew of Heaven,' I should have nothing
left to wish for." . . . . .

To the beloved family at Beecbwood, into which she was
now introduced, consisting of John Backhouse, his wife, and
widowed daughter, she soon became warmly attached. Alive
to the excellence of their Christian character, and impressed
with a grateful sense of their unremitting kindness to herself,
her young heart glowed with daughterly and sisterly affection
for them. And, truly, this affection was returned abundantly;
they loved her as their own. Her married life was, in every
respect, a very happy one ; and, in 10th month, 1844, she
became the mother of a lovely little boy. In allusion to him,
she says, 12th month, 20th, 1844 :

' We had the great pleasure of showing our darling boy to his
Earlham grand-parents. They have been so delighted with him ;
more than I could have expected. They came to Polam on sixth
day, and spent seventh day morning here. Baby was perfectly good,
and I do feel that the very great pleasure he will be, if he lives, to
them, is one of the chief happinesses connected with him, dear little
fellow ! They are staying at Polam, but, of course, we have been
'constantly together. On fifth day the four grand-parents dined here,
and dear Baby descended in his night clothes to be exhibited. It
was (juitc a pretty sight, to see that poor little mortal, surrounded by
all the elders, admiring him.

" I am afraid the warmth of my heart is far, far less than it
should be, in thinking of all our blessings. How apt each new one
is, to become an engrossing object of attention, and to draw away

568

RECOLLECTIONS.

from the Source of all pood. May I be preserved from this deep
ingratitude, of which I have found more than I like to say, in
myself.

In 1845, not only was she called upon to mourn the loss of
hev beloved Aunt Fry and Uncle Buxton — to both of whom
she was tenderly attached — but two dear cousins * also, with
whom she had been on terms of almost sisterly intimacy ; on
which occasion the following record appears in her journal:

" Thus two more of my familiar friends have done with time, and
have entered on Eternity ! I do not doubt a blessed one to them
both. I do trust these repeated calls are not unheeded! The last
few days have been very serious ones to me, — waking me from a
stupid state, I hope, making me feel our infinite privileges, in* having
One to plead the cause of sinners with the righteous God ! I do not
know that I have ever much more felt this. May I realize it more
and more till earth is completely outshone in my mind by that which
is eternal! It is well I feel that we have had our share in all these
dispensations, for otherwise there would have been danger in our
smooth, happy life — very, very full of blessings has it been this year.
Our darling child does grow so lovely ; but as I have begun a book
about him, I must not enlarge. We have had, this summer, delight-
ful visits from Aunt Catherine and the Cunninghams ; two or three
days from the dear parents, whom we also met at Carlisle; from
Aunt R. Fowler ; John's cousin, Charles Church ; two or three
most valuable days from John Henry, before we went into Norfolk.
I have been much occupied in the village. The school has been
really prospering, and a great pleasure to me."

When she removed to Blackwell, she found the moral cul-
ture of the children had been much neglected ; and all the
energies of her young and ardent mind were called into action,
in the hope of producing a better state of things amongst
them.

Her first step was to procure a good and efficient teacher.
She then went round the neighbourhood encouraging the

* Elizabeth Barclay and Ann Hculgkin.

RECOLLECTIONS.

5C9

parents to send their children to school — visited it herself
almost daily, and endeavored to pei'suade the young ladies in
the immediate vicinity to do the same. A wonderful reforma-
tion was soon produced, both in the conduct and acquirements
of the pupils ; and the school continued to be an object of
great interest, until, in 1847, she was obliged to forsake her
delightful home, and all her pleasant useful avocations, and
take a long and fatiguing journey in pursuit of health. But.
we will not anticipate. The year just mentioned was one of
the most marked and memorable of her brief existence, for, at
its very commencement, she was deprived of a parent to whom
she was so tenderly attached, that it might almost be said her
life was bound up in his life, and death could not long divide
them.

A few pages from her journal, written after her return from
Earlham, will give her own recital of this deeply sorrowful
event. Taking a retrospective view of the few preceding
months, she says, (writing under date of 1st mo., 30th,
1847) :

"We made up our minds not longer to delay our Norfolk journey,
and I started with the maids and Johnny, so as to arrive there on
the last day of the eighth month, spending one day first at Upton by
the way. We spent five whole weeks at Earlham, including
several days at Northrepp's, and my dearest parents returned with us
to Darlington, on the 3rd of the 10th month. They staid about three
weeks between Blackwclland Polam, so that never before since I married
had I had so much of their company. How thankful I am that these
visits were permitted, for it was difficult to arrange them at first. That
at Earlham was a very full one. They had a great deal of company —
Alexanders, Dudleys, &c. ; and the Bible and quarterly meetings happen-
ing in the same week, produced rather an awkward run of people. I
am so glad I was at that, his last Bible meeting ! His speech was
delightful; and most interesting to me, was his interest in John
Henry's, when he nobly pledged himself to the cause his father had
advocated so many years. After his death, we found in his pocket-
book, a little bit of the newspaper containing J. H.'s speech. I never
saw him more delighting in Earlham, then in its flowery beauty. One

570

RECOLLECTIONS.

day, I remember particularly, J. H. and Mary were there — the latter
in youthful glee, my Johnny gambolling by her on the lawn — he
walking about in his cloak and cap, really taking hearty pleasure in
this dear girl, while everything glowed with sun and beauty, and his
own countenance shone with heavenly peace ' Can it — can it be that
I am to see that dear loved form, walking about the Earlham garden,

no more? How be did enjoy Johnny ! I can see bim

now feeding him with grapes ; making him repeat 'Jack Horner' ;
showing him off on the drawing-room table, at the Bible-meeting
breakfast, ' Now I'll show you my grandson' ; then making the
child walk ; never tired of all his little feats, anxious too when he
was not quite good. How he did dislike it when I sent him to bed
before dessert ! All these recollections are dear to me. My child
did give bim pleasure, and that I may be glad of. But it is over
now ! My husband joined us at Earlham, in time for the Bible
meeting, and we all came back together, arriving here on 7th day, the
3d of 10th month. I had not been well in Norfolk, and so they made
me see Dr. Smith, in London — dearest Papa arranging it all himself
— so tender about me — so careful of me — he never more enjoyed a
visit here — he enjoyed the place so extremely — reading and drawing,

while I read to him Scott's Force of Truth, &c He

wanted to have some trees cut down that spoiled his view. I had
such pleasure in getting John to let me have them taken away.
And now, in coming homo again, it is hard to think I must never
show him any more improvements, and that the pleasure of my beau-
tiful home is stained indeed !

" But to go on with my history. Both my parents had bad influ-
enza colds, while they were staying at Polam, which detained them
longer than they had intended in this neighborhood, thus giving me
still more opportunity of being with them. . . . How extremely
I felt leaving them one evening when I thought they were going the
next day ! I remember telling John, 'Perhaps I should never see

him again,' but I put the uncertainty to my own state

He used to think the air at Blackwell better than at Polam, and
spent one day here entirely. . . . Oh ! how glad I am that be
had a home in this dear house, and that every room almost is asso-
ciated with him. .........

" But I must not omit to mention the meetings, while they were
here. His ministry was so lovely, dwelling so much on Heaven and

RECOLLECTIONS.

571

heavenly things. The feeling of peace and the loveliness of his spirit
were remarked by many. I only could shrink from acknowledging
to myself how ripe he seemed for a better land ! I remember the
thought passing through my mind often, and as often my turning from
all it involved ! Most of the time, he was in very comfortable spirits,
and remarkably degage and easy : but I must come to our last inter-
view, and, oh ! how does it wring my heart to write that word ! Still
I ought to be only thankful for such a parting as it was. We had
dined at Polam, and, as I thought, taken leave of them there, only
we talked a little of going to see them off by the train the nest morn-
ing. However, the next morning I was confined to bed by influenza,
and was surprised, as I lay there, to hear his voice in the hall. He
had come up to take leave of us, riding on the pony. He looked so
well and handsome, and was so extremely tender and affectionate.
He called for little Jacky directly, as he always did ; and John and
he had breakfast together. After it was over, he came into my room
and sat by my bedside. We three alone ; he read a Psalm, and then
kneeling down/ poured out such a beautiful prayer for us. How I
wish I could remember it every word ! But I shall never forget the
general impression of it, nor how it went to my very heart. He
spoke of our ' sweet natural love for each other besought ' that this
might increasingly become a spiritual union and then for our child,
that ' the yoke of obedience and parental authority might be firmly estab-
lished on him, as the best preparation for the yoke of Christ :' and
more, about bringing him up for the service of his Lord, which I can-
not accurately remember. Then he prayed that if consistent with the
Divine will, he 'might be permitted to see his children's children, and
peace upon Israel !'

" When he rose from his knees, he sat a few minutes, then kissed
me, told me to take care of myself, and he left me — left me forever in
this world ! Oh ! may a meeting be granted us, where there is no
more parting — no more death ! After his return to Earlham, he
wrote me more letters than usual. Such happy letters — bespeaking
such an easy, joyous state ; for though afflicted about the distressed
condition of Ireland, he had endeavoured to cast off that burden,
after doing all he could to help them. He spoke constantly of his
happy home-life ; of the beauty of the flowers, even of the cockatoo,
as adding to their pleasure. Two family events of a touching cha-
racter occurred at the end of the year — Uncle Hoare's sudden death,

572

RECOLLECTIONS.

the night after Christmas, and the unexpected birth and death of R. B.'s
baby-boys, on the 1st of 1st month, 1847. Thus did the new year
begin gloomily to many, and seriously to us all ! For my own part,
I could not get over a sort of presentiment of something in store for
us. 'The coming event had cast its shadow before.' It was well for
us that it had. I received a delightful letter from Papa, written on
' Christmas day,' the last he wrote me ! He did not mention that he
had had a fall from his horse, in the course of that week. I heard of
it, in a letter from my mother to Aunt B. ; but it had hardly made me
anxious, as it seemed to have no ill effect. On the day before New
Year's, I received the first account of his being poorly, written on the
previous third day. The account did not in itself make me anxious,
as it described nothing serious ; but the one on the following day-
made me more uncomfortable. The succeeding ones were, however,
very relieving. So that we never even discussed the subject of going
to them. My husband went to New Castle on the 4th, and I spent a
particularly pleasant day at Becchwood. We read my mother's note
together ; no one was alarmed by it. The next morning I had a note
from Aunt Birkbeck, giving me suddenly a most acute sense of the
depths of his illness, conveying a new impression to me. I sent off
for John at once. Ten minutes afterwards he came into my sitting-
room, looking very pale. He had brought me the last account ! !
I need not describe that next hour, in which he gradually broke to
me the tidings, or the aicfulness of the shock ! It is better not to do
it, but only to commemorate that even then, we were not left to our-
selves, but that with the hurricane came the sense of the shelter of
the wing of our father's love. Oh, how has that shelter been given
us ever since ! Such mercy calls for the deepest gratitude; and may
I be enabled to be most entirely thankful to Him, who has not
allowed the ship to sink, even in this1 storm . Before I go on with my
history of our mournful journey to Earlham, I am inclined to pause,
and if I can, to define in some measure the effect on myself of this
great change — its influence on our life, &c. And, first, can I wonder
at it ? Can I doubt that there was ' a need be' in this case ? How
often have I thought lately, that such prosperity as ours, could not
continue untouched. Life has been too swimming — too fully satisfy-
ing to the heart's affections, to be permitted to go on. Now, oh ! I
I can feel it to be stained ! It is not absolutely, that the necessaries
of one's social life are taken away. On the contrary, I have cause for

RECOLLECTIONS.

573

deep thankfulness that my husband and my child are left to me ; but
it is impossible to find words to describe how the zest of the pleasure
of every constituent part of my home life, is fled. The child's feats
arc so useless — the beauty of my home is so valueless, now that I cannot
show them to him. This is a false feeling in degree, when I really
consider it, and I do not wish to encourage it. But, oh ! the heart-
ache of it ! ! then there is the loss itself ! How can I describe that !
I have lost that constant, faithful tenderness, to which I could always
go, which always seemed on the watch to help me. . . But, per-
haps, more than all, I feel the loss of the minister, the religious coun-
sellor, the upholder of the highest standard. It has been hard to
understand that this has ' worked for good ;' and I have craved, from
the very bottom of my heart, that we may be permitted to drink far
more deeply of the fountain, now that this rich and precious stream
no longer flows upon us. How have I looked to his influence in
bringing up a family. How have I valued on these grounds as well
as others, his friendship with my dearest husband. Yet I know that even
this wonderful loss may be more than supplied. Oh ! for grace, most
diligently and most humbly, to seek for the supply of all our needs,
great and small.

" Words seem very feeble on this subject, but I am glad to have
what may recall the conflict as well as the sorrow through which we
have been brought; and I think I may say our desire is deep and
earnest to be stimulated by his bright example, and truly to profit
under the chastening hand of our Lord, who has, we may confess, been
very near to help and encourage us. Sometimes we have had a sweet
feeling, that he will not leave us or forsake us ; and sometimes, as I
said before, I have known something of the shelter of His wing. I
have desired perfectly to submit to the dispensation, which includes
the loss of some of my sweetest pleasures. But to return to my his-
tory. My dearest husband did indeed help and soothe my sorrow.
I think I shall never forget, not only his sympathy for me, but his
sharing the affliction so entirely. Those days look like a strange
dream, but one I shall never forget. We had a coupee, and reached
London on fifth day evening. I felt wholly stunned, like a person
under an immense weight; as if I could not yet receive my share of
the event, but could only muse and wonder at it. The next day we
went on to Earlham. Oh ! the faint, side fueling of that arrival !
. . . I cannot describe the minutiae of my stay at Earlham. A few

574

RECOLLECTIONS.

things only I will mention, and first, the loveliness of those dear
remains. The clay was emphatically beautiful, almost heavenly. . .
Most sweet to me was the full belief, that that beautiful form was
the seed of the far more beautiful, heavenly one. That even that
precious form, I may see again, though doubtless 'glorified !' I have
not much to say of the funeral. It was wonderfully interesting as a
spectacle. The crowded roads, the mourning city, would have been
most touching in any case ; but that very sort of interest took off a
little, to my feelings, from the settled solemnity of the day, except at
the grave, where the silence was as peaceful as it was awful and pro-
found ! . . . Writing is so difficult «to me, that I hardly know
how to say all I wish ; but I must mention one or two things to make
my record at all complete. And, first, about my mother ! To her,
dear creature, I feel as if I had acquired a new and strong tie. With
the keenest sense of the weight of the sorrow and desolation that
presses upon her, I have had, at the same time, a consciousness of
being helped by her in a remarkable way ! I feel bound for life to
her, not only from inclination, but from the strongest sense of duty ;
and heartily desire that I, and mine, may always prove faithful to this
dear one, who is, as it were, bequeathed to our tenderest care." .

One or two letters selected from the many that were written
by A. B. to her mother, during this season of sore bereave-
ment, will show the depth and fulness of her sympathy, and
the low estimate she entertained of her own progress in the
Christian race :

" Beechwood, 5th day, Zd mo., 1847.
" It is a relief to come to the time for writing to thee, though I am
almost afraid it is hardly right for the outpourings of a full heart to
come on thee, my precious mother. I do so well know the greater
weight of thy sorrow, and especially to-day. My very heart shrinks
for thee from the monthly meeting, and all it involves, returning the
certificate, &c. Still there is the Power, by whom even such hard
things as these may be made easy ; and I have seen thee to be so
helped, that I dare not mistrust for thee even in the bitterest mo-
ments. I do endeavour to commend thee, my dearest mother, almost
minute by minute, to that ever present unfailing Helper, who can
never be taken away from thee — can never leave thee alone ! While

RECOLLECTIONS.

575

I often feel I hardly dare take some of those precious promises to
myself, yet for thee I can fully take them and rest upon them, and
know thee to be one of his fold, and that no storm can ' pluck thee
out of his hand.' This is my abiding comfort in thinking of thee ;
and however unworthy, I desire to lay hold also for myself.
If thou hast no objection, I should so very much like to have a copy
of that beautiful passage from the journal, about 'my best, my very
best/ 'my all, my very all,' &c. Perhaps, dear Harriet would copy
it for me. I should just like to show it to my mother B. One can
hardly in word do his spirit justice about all that matter, and as, I
suppose, it is doubtful whether it can go in the journals, I should be
very glad to have it for myself.

"Ever, most affectionately, thine, A. B."

" Shull, 5th mo., 23(7, 1847.

" My precious Mother :

" These days of yearly meeting do bring thee so constantly to
my remembrance, that I do not feel as if I could refrain from writing
to thee again to-day. Thankful, as I know thou art, for all he is
spared, yet I am sure there must be something inexpressibly affecting
in once more, and in rather a new form, recognizing the mighty
change ! I can hardly trust myself to think of thee, solitary at
Earlham, during yearly meeting. Each day, as it goes by, is very
touching to me, in the remembrance of our being all together last
year. But yet, in the midst of it all, how elevating is the thought
of that ' General Assembly and church of the first born,' with whom
he is now worshipping; and when I remember the extreme comfort
a 'real good meeting,' at these times, gave him, oh ! there is even a
delight in thinking of him where there is no interruption to his holy
happiness — where all around him are in perfect unison, and even
where no physical infirmity now mars the joy of his heavenly employ-
ments for a single moment !

"I hardly know why I write all this, dearest mother, to thee; for
I well know thou art enabled to take fast hold of these glorious
truths, very, very far more than I can ; but I do not feel as if I
could help pouring out a little of my heart to thee, this morning — it

is so full of thee and of him It will, indeed, be a help

tt> be with thee ; though there is certainly much besides in the

576

RECOLLECTIONS.

prospect of coming to Earlhara, which my weak mind can hardly
bear. But I hope to be stronger, body and mind, before I think of
really setting out

" Ever, thine own loving, A. B."

In the spring of 1847, her little girl was born, whom she
called Eliza Jane, and in the following summer, accompanied
by her beloved husband and precious little ones, she visited
her early and still dear, but sadly altered, home ; and, oh !
how touching it Avas to behold her there — her pallid cheek, her
wasted form, the soft lustre of her hazel eye, rendered unnatu-
rally bright by a warm hectic glow — all told, too plainly, that
she was come to take a final leave of those scenes of her happy
childhood ; that her sun was going down " while it was yet
day." It would be difficult to describe her as she then ap-
peared, without seeming to sketch an exaggerated picture.
Though the tear was often in her eye, as the remembrance of
the past came vividly before her, and though her bodily suf-
ferings were not small, from cough, debility, &c, yet did this
youthful Christian's lovely countenance look so serene, so
placid and so Heaven-bound, that one was almost ready to
rejoice, that the short but stormy voyage of life was nearly
over, and bid the little bark " God speed" into the port of
everlasting blessedness. After passing about eleven weeks at
Earlham, during which there was but little apparent improve-
ment, her watchful and anxious husband (by the advice of the
medical men, and in accordance with her own inclinations,)
was induced to try the effect of change of climate, and accord-
ingly, toward the latter part of the ninth month, they set out
for the Continent, not having any very definite plan in view,
but designing to continue travelling south, until they met with
a more genial atmosphere.

The following extract from her foreign journal describes her
feelings at this interesting juncture :

RECOLLECTIONS.

577

"Nice, 10 th mo., 31sf, 1847.

" How long it is since I wrote last ! but I do not like quite to for-
sake my little history, and I will try and put down a brief sketch of
the past five months. Soon after our return from Shull, we had a
deeply interesting visit from dear Dr. Chalmers, of which the par-
ticulars are elsewhere, made most memorable by his sudden death four
days after he left us ! Our hearts were closely united to him. I
truly felt him fatherly, and his death was a stunning blow. I con-
tinued but poorly, but hoped the change to Norfolk would set me up :
and consulting Caleb Williams on the way, (at York,) we started for
Norfolk the first of seventh month, going round by Iluncton.

" What can I say of that touching arrival at dear Earlham ? Oh !
how strange it was to find my mother and Harriet the only inhabi-
tants of our old home ! But it would be in vain to endeavour to de-
scribe the blank, which I thought increased every day during my ten
weeks' stay. I had rather dwell on that feeling of peace which was
remarkably over us. It was truly to be felt at every moment, I was
going to say. I was nearly united to my dear mother, and deeply
interested in my beloved father's journals, with which she indulged
me most liberally. Nothing could exceed her kindness and affection
all the time we were thei-e. We paid a short visit to Aunt Catherine,
at Lowestoft, and she returned with us to Earlham. It was most
interesting to be with her, dear creature, as it always is. She has a
house at Lowestoft, just suited to her needs, and it is no small com-
fort to think of her being there. It was delightful to be with dear
J. H. and Mary, who seemed most prosperous, though the loss of
their little one was sad to me. However, I could not but feel in this
trial, as in all others, that the Judge of the whole earth doeth right.

" My dearest husband was obliged to leave me in about three
weeks, and I continued in a poor state of health, with cough, &c. ; so
that, when he returned, we went to London together for medical
advice. There, we saw Dr. S. Smith, who confirmed us in the
opinion, we had previously formed, that we must spend the winter
abroad. The next day, at Upton, came the affecting intelligence of
the sudden death of our beloved Father Backhouse ! . . . .
To him, we have no doubt, it was the welcome summons to perfect
joy ! To us, it was one more heavy blow, and truly we felt deeply
bowed down under it. My dearest husband had to leave, of course,

Vol. II. — 37

578

RECOLLECTIONS.

directly. I returned to Earlhain ; and our separation, at such a time,
could not but be truly painful ; but I seemed to have no power to go
to Darlington, and I was thankful to be so spared as I was, in my
quiet refuge at Earlbam. Indeed I ought most gratefully to acknow-
ledge, that all through these weeks, when it was impossible to dwell
in anything but low places, I was mercifully helped, day by day, and
all anxiety about the journey, or anything else, was remarkably taken
away from me, so that I was preserved in great calmness and peace
— a proof, indeed, of the tender, pitying care of a loving Father.
My great concern was — if this journey should not answer, and my
health should quite give way — am 1 safe? After some days of
earnest desire for a true answer to this important question, I became
very peaceful on the subject — the Saviour, I think I may say, being
very. precious to me, and I felt that in my own utter unworthiness, I
might throw myself on his inexhaustible merits. We were much
helped through the parting days at Earlham. Dearest Eliza came to
us, which was quite a stay, and we left Upton on the 20th of ninth
month. Sarah Gurncy, and Chenda and Charles Buxton, were our

delightful companions I am certainly better, though

still very far from strong; but there seems great hope that the journey

may answer the purpose intended Dear baby has been

very poorly, but is better; still it is, of course, a care to travel with
such young children ! But in this, as in all other things, we desire
to commit our way to our merciful Father. How tender has He been
to me ! Surely I can say, ' He has attended to my cry,' raised, as it
often is, in weakness of body and mind. May all teach me to depend
more and more upon Him for the supply of every need

" Paris, 9th mo., 21th.

" My precious Mother :

" . . . . Thy letter, receivecVat Upton, was the truest com-
fort to me ; and I am so glad to think thou hast been pretty fairly
since I left thee. I hardly know how to think of thee without me;
for I am sure thou must at times have missed that deep sympathy
which I seldom expressed, but I felt that thou knew it existed. I do
not mean to say I did or said anything to help thee, my dearest Mo-
ther, but we had such a tie in our constant all-pervading feeling about
that precious one — such a feeling as no one else coidd fully have —
that we cannot be separated without feeling it very sensibly ; and

RECOLLECTIONS.

579

while I have much to cheer me, thou art left in that dear, lonely
room ; . . . . yet I love to think of thee there, and to call to
mind how help was so perceptibly given to thee day by day — the
waves will not overwhelm thee — and I can fancy thou hast even thy
secret pleasures over the journals, &c."

" Montpelier, 10th mo., 16th.

" My dearest Mother :

" I was rather disappointed to receive no letter, either from
Earlham or Easton, at Toulouse. We do so long to have some news
of you, and it is now a fortnight since John Henry's and Harriet's
letters reached us at Bordeaux ; but I hope we may hear at Mar-
seilles, for we seem to know sadly little about you all. We had a
very interesting visit to the Courtois, at Toulouse. We were sorry
we had brought no letter. However, we went to call in the morning,
and the ladies soon appeared one after the other, and kindly believed
at once who we were. Directly they found whose daughter I was,
they seemed as if they could hardly express their interest and affec-
tion. I gave them thy me*ssage, and they spoke most affectionately
of thee. Soon the gentlemen appeared, warmer, if possible, than
their wives. Nothing would do but we must dine with them at
4 o'clock, and bring Johnny, which, as I came away at 7, we were
able to do. I wish I could tell thee how delightfully they spoke of
my dearest Father. They poured out their love for him till I hardly
knew how to bear it. Among other things, they told us that he had
been the means of entirely animating the anti-slavery cause in
France.

" ' He brought " De Felice" to sound opinions on the subject, and
induced him to write a book, which is producing the most remark-
able effect, far more than anything else that has ever appeared and
they now consider that the cause is gaining ground fast, and seem to
have no doubt of its ultimate success. ' Thus was your Father greatly
blessed,' said one of the brothers, ' in these last years of his life, and
you must tell your mother, Mrs. Gurney, so.'

" They begged to be most affectionately remembered to thee, and
they seemed sadly disappointed that we could not stay longer. We
are spending a quiet Sabbath at Montpelier, in a nice comfortable
inn. We found, to our surprise, that the road to Marseilles passes
through Nismes, so I hope we shall call and see Justine Benezet, to-

580

RECOLLECTIONS.

morrow. We could not arrange to spend first day there, indeed we
had a very long, tiring day to get here. Perhaps, on some accounts,
it is well not to have those dear warm-hearted friends with us the
whole day, as they would have been ; but had we known iu time, we
should have been tempted to do otherwise.

" Dear little baby has been decidedly better the last few days, but
she is very touchy still, and I am afraid will be so while we travel, as
I think the constant change of milk disagrees with her. Our plans
are, we feel, uncertain, till we hear a little more accurately in what
state Naples is. I can't think what we shall do if we cannot go
there. The long voyages are such disagreeable obstacles in the way
of Malta and Malaga ; but I hope we may be able to pursue our first
plan.

'•' Jackey is in high glee altogether, but rather tiresome and fretful,
poor child, if he is long in the carriage. When we change horses,
he entreats Schutz to put him on the saddle horse, and there, armed
with the post-boy's whip, he sits in ecstasies, the by-standers, much
amused, as you may suppose

" I did not tell thee, that the Courtois thought him so extremely
like his grandfather. It was quite delightful to me, that they saw
the likeness so strongly, for it shows how real it is. Thou would
have liked to see him at play with their eight children. One, a dear
little girl, near his own age."

"Pisa, U(h mo., 26th, 1847.

" My dearest Mother :

" I am sure we shall have thy very near sympathy, when I tell
thee that our darling baby's illness terminated this morning in her
peaceful death ! Though she had gained some strength, yet her dis-
order was never the least really subdued; and yesterday afternoon I
perceived it had gained more power over her. However, the Doctor
still thought we might start to-day ; but when I went to her this
morning, her glazed eyes told me a sorrowful tale. I sent for the
Doctor directly. lie was alarmed, and went for further advice. I
held her, dear little thing, on my lap ; and as she rolled up her eyes
once or twice, I felt that it would indeed be sorrowful, if we had to
watch her in convulsions, which were evidently approaching. I
could only ask that she might be spared suffering, and, in this, we

RECOLLECTIONS.

581

were mercifully dealt with ; for about half an hour after, as she was
lying on Sarah's lap, her father and I watching her, she passed so
quietly away that we could not detect the moment when she drew her
last breath. We had a warm Lath, &c, but all was unavailing, and
we were forced to believe at last, that the life of our little one was
gone ! I thought her looking very ill when I left her the evening
before, therefore the blow, though it came at last rather unexpectedly,
was not unanticipated. She looks very lovely now, the expression of
intense illness gone, and her cheeks are even round again. There is
no burying-ground here, and we shall have to take her to Leghorn, I
suppose, on second day. It does seem sorrowful, that we must leave
that precious little form, and go far from it; but we do endeavour
rather to think of the spirit that ' soars on angel wing.' Of course,
we are brought very low by this trial, but do most earnestly desire to
yield ourselves wholly to the hand of love, which is laid upon us:
and I am thankful that she was spared further suffering, which she
must have had, had she lived a little longer. I wish you could see
her as she lies now, looking so peaceful \"

" Leghorn, 12th mo., 22d, 1847.

" I am afraid thou hast thought me slow in writing, but I felt as
if I could not write, till I received thy letter about darling baby's
death; and now it is come, most sweet and helpful it is — really ap-
preciating the sorrow, and yet so cheering. Yes, dearest mother, I
trust I have been enabled to submit to Him who has sent the blow,
and in many times of bitter sorrow, I may confess to thee that He
has been very near us. Oh ! it is sweet to feel near to Ilim, and one
can then almost rejoice in suffering. . . Indeed I have much to
be thankful for; though I would not wish thee to think, if I write
cheerfully home, that I -do not need thy tenderest sympathy. Oh !
what all these days will be to thee, my precious mother ! May the
strength be indeed sufficient for the day, as it will be doubtless.

"I have hardly left room to say that I am nicely; but have not
got on so much, as I should have done if we had not been entirely
confined to the house by violent rain for days. It is clearing a little
now, and they say after this, we shall have lovely weather. My
cough continues much better. Indeed it is almost nothing, and when
I can get out I shall soon be stronger."

582

RECOLLECTIONS.

" Rome, 12th mo., 8th, 1847.
" I may indeed give a comfortable account of myself. The re-
membrance of darling baby mingles closely with everything, but I
have many sweet thoughts about her ; and I have had more power of
being interested in things here than I expected ; so that I hope the
spirit of cheerful submission, for which, I believe, I sought, has not
been entirely withheld ; and day by day we have reason to acknow-
ledge the tender love that is over us."

" Naples, 12th mo., 18th, 1847.

" My dearest Mother :

" Thou wilt be glad to hear that we arrived safely at Naples,
and are located in a very comfortable inn, commanding a lovely view
of Mount Vesuvius, the beautiful bay, &c. If the cold winds will
but keep away, I think the place will suit us very well, and we are
both of us glad to get here. The journey was quite easy and very
interesting — just the road which Paul travelled when he was going to
Rome ! Abundance of ruins everywhere, and some lovely views
the latter part of the way.

" I am rather tired to-day, and am glad to get into nice quarters. I
am sure thou would admire the orange gardens, laden with their
beautiful fruit, which is fast ripening ; and a lough of oranges is a
most agreeable travelling companion.

" We have uninterrupted lovely weather, though the air is very
cold, morning and evening ; but I never attempt going out, except
just in the middle of the day. . . My cough continues wonder-
fully better, though it is not absolutely gone. I have capital nights,
and I hope I shall soon get a little stronger, as the tonic medicine
suits me so well."

" Naples, 1st mo., 2d, 1848.
" These marked days so extremely call thee to mind, that I can-
not refrain from sending thee a few lines this morning. Oh, my
precious mother ! what these hours must be to thee as they pass
along ! I doubt not almost every one can be traced. I have heartily
felt being away from thee at this time ; for though I could have done
nothing for thee really, yet, at least, I could have shared thy sorrow

RECOLLECTIONS.

583

in some measure. But it is a mercy that we may commend one
another to our compassionate Father oftener than the day; and this,
in my poor way, I have indeed done. Oh ! I do not doubt th;.t
strength has been given thee proportioned to thy need, and in that,
I desire to repose for thee !".......

After receiving such flattering accounts of improvement in
the health of this cherished invalid, it would be vain to attempt
to describe the effect of the following letters on her relatives
and friends in England, who were beginning to anticipate, with
heartfelt pleasure, her probable return to them again, at no
very distant period :

TO E. P. GURNET.

"On board the Bull-Dog, war steamer. "1

" Off Palermo, 1st mo., 17th, 1848. j

"My beloved Mother;

" I scarcely know how to write, or to find words to convey the
tidings of the stunning blow, with which it has pleased our Heavenly
Father to visit me. My precious Anna breathed her last, on board
this ship, this morning, about 12 o'clock !

" We have not been able to write for some days, to tell you that we
were almost obliged to leave Naples, as the cold winds and continued
confinement to the house did not at all suit dearest Anna. Though
we had a rough voyage here, she seemed benefited by it, and her
cough, which the dull weather at Naples had brought back, again
almost left her.

' On 7th day, we were obliged to come on board this boat ; and
yesterday dearest Anna seemed nicely, and enjoyed a walk on deck.
Last night she slept well, and went on deck again, about 11 o'clock,
this morning. Soon after this, Schutz, who had slept in another
vessel, came on board and told her that Mary Ann was not at all
comfortable where she was. This evidently distressed her, and she
begged me to ask permission of the captain for her to come to this
ship. This I obtained, and she followed me to speak herself to the
captain. On going back to the chair, she complained of shortness
of breath. I got her a glass of water, but the feeling still continu-

.58-4

RECOLLECTIONS.

ing, she begged to be laid on deck. Two medical men were on
board, who gave her every assistance. Ether, mustard plasters, hot
water, &c, were applied, which revived her for a time. She soon
became aware of her state, and said she ' was going to Jesus,' and
• to be with her dearest father/ and that she ' felt very comfortable,
though it was a strange place to die in.' She called for Sarab, and
begged her to take care of Johnny; then kissed him, and told him
that if he was a good boy be would go to Heaven, &c. She then
recognized Mary Ann, who had just come on board : repeatedly said
she felt very comfortable, and soon passed quietly away ! It was a
most solemn time ! The passengers who stood around were truly
kind and feeling. It seems like a dream. I can scarcely believe in
the reality. Surely if ever a spirit was ripe for Heaven it was hers ;
and may the thought of the unutterable joys she is now a partaker
of, with her dearest father and her child, in some degree enable me to
bear with resignation this overwhelming blow.

-i It is the greatest comfort to me, that it was dearest Anna's
decided wish to come here. We did not conclude to come without
consulting our Italian and English friends, who all thought, in our
circumstances, we were wise in doing so. Dearest A. said she felt
most peaceful in the prospect, and that the verse, ' There shall no
evil befall thee,' &c, had been brought to her mind in reference to
this journey. I cannot now write more, or to any one else, except
to Beechwood.

"With dearest love to John Henry, Mary, and all, thy deeply
afflicted son, "J. C. Backhouse."

" 18/7i — I could not send this letter yesterday. This morning I have
followed the precious remains to the cemetery, where, for the present
at least, they must repose. The captain and some of the officers ac-
companied me, and were most kind and feeling. Nothing can exceed
the attention of Captain Key. I do not yet know what I shall do;
but, of course, I shall return home as soon as possible. I will write
again soon. I scarcely know whether I have written sense. I feel
altogether so stunned by the suddenness of the shock; but yesterday
she was alive and apparently well — to-day she sleeps in her grave !
May I be enabled to seek consolation where alone it can be found."

RECOLLECTIONS.

585

LETTER FROM S. G. TO HER PARENTS.

" Naples, 1st mo., 29i7i, 1848.
" I thought you would most likely be anxious about ine, as no doubt,
you have heard of the dreadful revolution in Sicily, and I mentioned
in my letter to Samuel, that we were going there. However, we
have, at last, got away. "What an awful time it has been ! I never,
never shall forget it. After being there two days, we were hurried
off to an English man-of-war, to preserve our lives. What a night
that was ! cold, and almost dark, we were all hurried off in boats to
the ship — of course, poor accommodations for so many. I should say,
that all the English that were staying in that place went. The
officers kindly gave up their cabins to the ladies, so that dear mis-
tress had a comfortable one. I, with many others, had to manage as
we could. I lay on the floor without taking off my clothes for a
week. But I have some melancholy news to tell you ! It was seventh
day morning when we went on board : on first day dear mistress
seemed nicely: in the evening, when she came to bed, "she said,
"Really, Sarah, I feel so much better, and my cough has been so
nicely all day : it is very odd, is it not ?" The next morning, when
I dressed her, she was so cheerful, and several times said how glad
she was it was such a fine day; she should be able to go on deck, and
she thought it would do her so much good. She did go, but she had
not walked long before she was taken faint. I ran down to the
cabin to fetch her smelling-bottle ; when I returned, I found her laid
on the deck in a sort of fit ! There were three doctors on board —
all came to her assistance — but it was of no use ; and I think in less
than one hour, all was over! She was quite sensible she was going
— so sweet and so prepared to meet her Saviour. She spoke to us
all, and bid us farewell. Oh, what a scene it was ! I never, never,
shall forget it. The captain was very kind. He had a place enclosed
at one end of the deck with the sails. There was the death-chamber.
There we did what we could for the dear remains ! The sun ceased
to shine; it rained, and the wind blew in upon us; and what with
the ringing of bells, the firing of cannons, part of the town in a blaze,
and the consciousness of the great bloodshed that was going on, it
was the most awful scene I ever witnessed ! Her coffin came about
9 o'clock in the evening. She was put into it, and then she looked

>

586

RECOLLECTIONS.

beautiful, and seemed to have something to shelter her from the
storm. Schutz stayed with her all night : it was a very stormy one.
The next morning, about 8 o'clock, they were obliged to bury her.
It seemed such hurrying work. Wbat a funeral procession it was !
in boats, across the sea : it goes to my heart while writing it."

A few of the letters that were written by her family circle on
this sorrowful occasion, will tend to show how painful
and unlooked for was the intelligence, and in what high esti-
mation this beloved one was held by her family and friends.

R. CUNNINGHAM TO E. P. GURNEY.

" Lowestoft, February 2>d.

"What can I say, my beloved, afflicted sister ! This is a grief, a
most heartfelt sorrow. One view of the dispensation is as afflictive,
as desolating, as anything can well be ; but by faith, we may turn tbe
picture, and there see a blessed translation, without tasting death !
" She was not, for God had taken her." Her soul, we may believe,
was "as a weaned child." Her aftections were set on things above ;
and her final dismissal presents to us the most beautiful picture of
the dying Christian, one almost ever heard of — that lovely, gentle
spirit taking its departure on the deck of a man-of-war surrounded by
officers, was strange, as she, dear creature, said, ' A strange place to
die in' — but deeply interesting — the beautiful picture haunts my
mind, and is impressed on my imagination ; but what an event for
him — words utterly fail to express it. Francis and I entered Cathe-
rine's room, this morning, with trembling. I felt exceedingly over-
whelmed in spirit. The shock was indeed great to her. She looked
amazed and stunned, as if she could not, and dared not, believe it ;
but thy note was the very thing, dear, to break it to her. She first
heard that, which convinced her of the awful reality. Nature will
shrink from sorrow, but faith comes in to our aid. Oh, what a mercy
that God should have removed the sting of such a curse as death, and
the believer dies in perfect calmness ! What could be so lovely as
her translation ! But, as Young says, ' 'Tis the Survivor dies.'

"What must have been John's feelings, when committing that pre-
cious form into the silent grave, surrounded by officers and strangers !

RECOLLECTIONS.

587

It is a wonderful history ! How delightful that she was ahle to say,
' I am going to my dearest father' — most blessed reunion ! I can
believe thy soul longs to be with them. Catherine now begs me to
tell thee, she does feel greatly sustained. She cannot shed tears,
which would be, I think, a great relief to her, but she finds much
consolation in Scripture. She is now lying on the sofa calm and
resigned. We are profoundly quiet. She likes me to sit with her.
Francis is the greatest stay and comfort to us, and enters most deeply
into sympathy with us. He did so heartily love her. Who did not
in our circle ? Oh, she was such a yem ! She was so entirely the
Lord's. How striking was what she said to thee in the summer ?
precious hallowed hours. May their memory ever be a comfort to
thee. Poor, dear John, how desolate his return ! — the grave to have
been opened twice to his small party. And that darling Johnny —
how lovely was her leave-taking of him ! The whole seems to have
been but a few minutes. . . Catherine has been comforted in
looking back on the text for that day in her Moravian book, which
she always uses, ' He doeth according to His will in the army of
Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay
His hand, or say to Him, what doest thou f 1 God sits as Sovereign
on the storm. — He doeth all things well.' . . . What a tone of
deep submission has run through her letters, with every effort to bear
her afflictions with cheerfulness. This has often been quite touching
to me. Ought we not to seek and to desire, that these repeated
blows may have a true, weaning, preparatory effect upon all our
hearts ?

"With near love and truest heartfelt sympathy, most affectionately,

"K. C."

" Halesworth, February Sth, 1848.

" My dear Mary :

"I have thought so very much of you and John Henry, since
hearing of the event which fills all our thoughts, that I must write
and tell you how truly I do feel it for you. Yet is there not very
much to comfort under, and even reconcile, this startling dispensation ?
I mean the manner of her departure. Surely the real pain was in
giving her up to go that journey, with the heavy forebodings of it.
And to have had her spared lingering illness in a foreign land —
translated without suffering — and so quickly, is enough to reconcile

588

RECOLLECTIONS.

us to the shock, great as it has been ! How highly characteristic
was her behaviour in that awful hour — so calm, steady, and right-
minded. I have been much impressed, in thinking of her, with her
peculiar characteristics, and in remembering her at different periods
of her life. She has risen before me with the utmost vividness. I
only wish I could retain, either with pencil or pen, the lively images
of her I now recall — first, as a little child in that large nursery at
Earlham, then a little older, with John Henry, as I saw them
brought to our dear Aunt Rachel's dying bed-side. That was a
beautiful scene ! After that, I recall her indistinctly for some years
of her life, with Hannah Lean (her governess), under Aunt Cathe-
rine's care. Then, too, her sweetness in dear Aunt Mary's time,
and her spirit and brightness as a school-room child. But after the
death of that dear mother, how did she step forward in a new
position ! and what did she not become as a daughter ? The re-
ligious principles which had been so early, diligently, and deeply
planted in her, began now more especially to show their fruits. She
had naturally a peculiar love of service, a true taste for being of use,
and as her character developed, Duty was its Pole Star. She re-
markably balanced and proportioned her duties, and, to our view,
seemed never to fail in them. It was a most rare post that she now
filled. Her father's dependence on her was intense. Her unvary-
ing devotedness to him, united with uncommon wisdom, cheerful-
ness; and simplicity, such as one is not often to see. I was staying
at Earlham, in the summer of 1836 (after Aunt Mary's death), and
never can forget the touching dependence he had upon her, and the
grace with which, though only a child of fifteen, she filled that jiost.
Again, I saw the same thing at Rennyhill, in the same autumn, and
then how did she assist and strengthen him in the tremendous effort
of duty he made, in leaving her and John Henry to go to America !

<: In 1839, during his absence, I was again staying some time at
Earlham, on our transit to Halesworth, and then I saw her in the
character of sister. Of this, I need not speak ; but, I think, it was
unequalled ; her forbearance, her love, her lively admiration and de-
light in John Henry. It is too affecting to think of! The next
image I strongly recall is, when she came to nurse Chenda in the
measles, and this leads me to remember the treasure we have lost —
the faithful, efficient, and dependable friend and relation. There
were feiv, indeed, whose company I would so desire, or whose judg-
ment and example I would more profit from. In these years, too,

RECOLLECTIONS.

589

the sight of her in the 'eleven-sided attic,' with her Sunday-
scholars, is memorable. Her unforgetting attentions to H. Scarnell
and Nurse Norman, and all her sweetness and fragrance as the very
flower of Earlham ! Then I recall the scenes (as described, for I
did not see them), of your father's return from America, and of his
marriage. I did see her as step-daughter; but I shall borrow the
words of the mother, she so truly loved, to describe her in this
capacity. . . . She writes to me, February 11th, 1848 :

" ' Never has that dear one shone more brightly than in her gener-
ous, nolle, loving, most unselfish conduct to myself. In the first
place, when I was the innocent means of robbing her of that un-
common dependence, which had for several years been placed upon
her, and in which (though she was often weighted by it), she greatly
delighted. Then her most dutiful, affectionate and truly tender
conduct to us both, entering with such delight into our pleasures,
and giving us the very depth and fulness of her young heart's sym-
pathy in all our pains. But, above all, how lovely, how exalted,
how far beyond all praise, was the self-sacrificing spirit with which
she sought, in our common sorrow, to lay aside the sense of her own
heart-breaking portion of it, while she devoted all her energies to
cheer and comfort me. Dear, precious child ! in the fulfilment of
her various duties, I never saw her equalled, and none will ever
know ichat / have lost.'

" The next picture that rises is of herself on hor wedding-day !
Her pale, elevated look, when she first entered the meeting; her
happy smile afterwards ; her charming demeanour through the day,
thoughtful of every one, full of feeling, yet perfectly steady and like
herself — the stay of all others. That day is, indeed, memorable —
both our fathers in such brightness ! and the whole scene a crown
of Earlham gatherings ! I am glad to have it fixed in my mind,
though now so clothed with melancholy. I saw her many times
afterwards, but was not so much or closely thrown with her again,
till we had the privilege of spending a few days at Blackwell, in
184G. There she was shining indeed, as wife, mother, mistress,
neighbour — truly a blessing to the world around her. I saw her at
Bcechwood, at Polam, in her own little school, with her neighbours,
poor and rich — everywhere the same Anna; quiet, judicious, en-
larged, hopeful, generous and encouraging; the most loving, dutiful
daughter-in-law, niece, and cousin. Oh, what a hopeless vacancy is
there left — a place that cannot be filled !

590

RECOLLECTIONS.

"I nest met her in January, 1847 ! and even in that scene, how
was she still herself! I can never forget her on the day of his
funeral. It is sorrowful to remember her marble face, so lovely,
yet almost fearfully calm, holding her place even there, in those
rooms, and with every one. I was frightened at it at the time ; and
it is painful to remember it now. Did she ever recover that grief?
/think not, though other things combined to undermine her health.
Only once more did I see her at Earlham ; in August, 1847 — not
six months ago ! What a picture of refinement, of chastened feel-
ing, of quiet resolution, and, above all, of deep religious trust and
experience ! She was such a reasonable, sensible, manageable in-
valid— free from self-will, and making the best and easiest of every-
thing, while she conducted everything with power and decision. I
parted with her with strong love and admiration, and a deep fear,
though not without hope. In herself, hope predominated. She told
me she expected to return, though perfectly aware of the risk of her
critical state. I saw her unexpectedly for a moment, at the railway
station, at Stratford ; like herself was every part of her behaviour in
that bustle and agitation, and this was my last sight of her, dear,
dear creature ! I deeply feel in the contemplation of her whole
course and character, that something unequalled in many respects is
gone from amongst us. There was combined with her grace such
remarkable wisdom, enlargement, and affection ; such peculiarly
sound and dependable conduct in all the turns of life; that we can
but feel that a standard is removed from our circle, and that ice —
(our world) — ice and our children are truly and lastingly the poorer'.
The great loss of all — the unspeakable loss of her husband and child
— these cannot be touched by me. But, oh ! my heart does ache for
John Church. I mourn for that darling Jacky, unconscious of his
inexpressible privation !

"I did so long to try and put down some of my remembrances of
her, that I have poured it all out to you, dearest Mary. But now I
feel half afraid of adding to your sorrow by it. May we, as long as
we remember her (which surely will be for life), remember her ex-
ample and seek to follow it.

" With true love and sympathy to John Henry, whose sorrow I well
believe is not easily estimated,
" I am, dear Mary,

" Your truly affectionate Cousin,

" Priscilla Johnston."

RECOLLECTIONS.

591

The preceding outline of Anna Backhouse's character was
delineated by her valued cousin, of whom such frequent and affec-
tionate mention is made in this little sketch.

Gifted alike by nature in no ordinary degree, and refined
and purified by unreserved submission to the transforming
operations of Divine Grace, there was much congeniality be-
tween them, and each formed a high but just estimate of the
talents and attainments of the other. Surrounded by the
luxuries and indulgences of life, they may be said to have
lived, "as strangers and pilgrims on the earth," "seeking a
better country." — And noiv, as we confidently believe, through
the fullness of atoning love and mercy, they are '•'•fellow-citi-
zens with the saints and of the household of God" — joined to
that countless company, who, with the palm of victory in their
hands, surround the throne, and day and night, are praising
Him who hath redeemed them, " on the psaltery and harp."

APPENDIX.

COPY OF THE STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN FAITH FURNISHED BY JOSEPH
JOHN GURNEY, AT THE REQUEST OF STEPHEN A. CHASE, OF SALEM,

Massachusetts. See supra, p. 50G.

Earlham, 7th mo., 26th, 1S46.

Having been requested by my friend Stephen A. Chase,
of Salem, Massachusetts, to furnish him with a statement of my
Christian faith respecting the Holy Scriptures, the immediate and
perceptible operation of the Spirit, the doctrine of justification, and
that of the Trinity, (as it is called,) I have much satisfaction in
complying with his request.

I. The Holy Scriptures. My belief respecting the Scriptures
of the Old and New Testaments may be stated in the words of
George Fox; "Concerning the Holy Scriptures, we believe they
were given forth by the Holy Spirit of God, through the holy men
of God, who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost : we
believe they are to be read, believed, and fulfilled ; (he that fulfils
them is Christ;) and they are profitable for reproof, for correction,
and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works; and are able to
make wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus : we believe
the Holy Scriptures are the words of God."

See Declaration of Faith issued hy George Fox and others, and
presented to the Governor and Council of Barladocs. — Evans s
Exposition, p. 238.

Also in the words of Robert Barclay ; " Moreover because they
are commonly acknowledged by all to have been written by the
dictates of the Holy Spirit, and that the errors which may be

(592) "

/

APPENDIX. 593

supposed by the injury of times to have slipped in,* are not such
but that there is a sufficient clear testimony left to all the essentials
of the Christian faith, we do look upon them as the only fit outward
judge of controversies among Christians, and that whatsoever doctrine
is contrary unto their testimony, may therefore be rejected as false.
And for our parts, we are very willing that all our doctrines and
practices be tried by them, which we never refused, and never shall
in all controversies with our adversaries, as the judge and test. We
shall also be very willing to admit it as a positive, certain maxim,
that whatsoever any do, pretending to the Spirit, which is contrary
to the Scriptures, be accounted and reckoned a delusion of the
devil." Apology, Prop. III.

Also in the words of William Penn : " We both love, honour,
and prefer them before all books in the world; ever choosing to
express our belief of the Christian faith and doctrine in the terms
thereof, and rejecting all principles and doctrines whatsoever that are
repugnant thereto." — Testimony to the Truth, Evans, p. 248.

Also in the words of the General Epistle of the Yearly Meeting
of London, for the year 1836 : " It has ever been, and still is, the
belief of the Society of Friends, that the Holy Scriptures of the Old
and New Testament were given by inspiration of God: that therefore
the declarations contained in them rest on the authority of God him-
self; and there can be no appeal from them to any other authority
whatsoever; that they arc able to make us wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus, being the appointed means of making
known to us the blessed truths of Christianity; that they are the
only divinely authorised record of the doctrines which we are bound,
as Christians, to believe, and of the moral principles which are to
regulate our actions; that no doctrine which is not contained in them
can be required of any one to be believed, as an article of faith; that
whatsoever any man says or does, which is contrary to the Scriptures,
though under profession of the immediate guidance of the Spirit,
must be reckoned and accounted a mere delusion. "f

* The errors here alluded to, are those of copying only, which have given rise,
as is generally known, to a great number of various readings. These, for the most
part, arc entirely destitute of importance. After a very extensive and accurate
collation of manuscripts and other authorities, the text, both of the Hebrew and
Greek Scriptures, may now be regarded as being, for all practical purposes, settled
and ascertained; and the blessed result is, that the readers of Holy Writ are not
deprived of a single moral principle, or a single doctrinal truth. — Note by J. J
Gurney.

f This epistle was, as I understand, republished by most of the Yearly Meetings
of North America. — Note by J. J. Gurney.

Vol. II. — 38

504

APPENDIX.

While I fully agree with the plain testimony which has thus been
always borne by Friends to the divine authority of the Holy Scrip-
tures, and do sincerely acknowledge that the doctrines and precepts
contained in them are the doctrines and precepts of the Almighty
himself, I also unite with Friends in objecting to the common practice
of denominating the sacred volume " the Word of God," because I
am of opinion, that this epithet, considered as a distinguishing and
exclusive title, properly belongs only to Christ, of whom the Scrip-
tures testify.

Secondly, I wish it to be clearly understood, that since the para-
mount authority of the Holy Scriptures over that of all other books,
is a simple consequence of the fact, that they were given by inspira-
tion of God, I must ever regard these sacred writings, pure and
precious though they be, as entirely subordinate, in point of dignity
and power, to the Holy Spirit from whom they came, and who is him-
self their true and ever-living Author. And further, though they are
"the appointed means of making known to us the blessed truths of
Christianity," and thus "are able to make us wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus," I entertain a deep and
thorough conviction that they can never impart an efficacious and
saving knowledge of divine things, unless their contents are unfolded
to the understanding, and impressed on the heart, by the immediate
influences of that Spirit from whom they emanated. While, there-
fore, it is our unquestionable duty, as the Society of Friends has
frequently declared, to read them diligently ourselves, and as dili-
gently to teach them to our children, we ought, in the performance
of this duty, reverently to depend on divine aid and illumination,
remembering the words of our blessed Lord — especially applicable as
they are to the present subject — "without me ye can do nothing."

II. The immediate and perceptible operation of the Spirit.

In reference to this great subject, I have, in the first place, plainly
to declare my belief, in unison with that of Friends from their first
rise to the present day, that the influence of the Holy Spirit is very
far from being confined to those who have a knowledge of Holy
writ, and of the incarnate, crucified, and risen Saviour of whom it
testifies. On the contrary, it is my firm conviction that as Christ
died for all men, so all- men, through his mediation and sacrifice on
the cross, are placed in a capacity for salvation, and receive a measure
of divine light, which although in numberless instances shining " in

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

595

darkness," and overborne by ignorance and superstition, is in its own
nature pure and holy, and perceptible to the rational mind of man —
so that those who believe in it, and obey it, are thereby led to fear
God, and to keep his law as it is written on their hearts ; that such
as these are accepted for Christ's sake, even though they may never
have heard his name ; and thus sharing in the benefit of his atoning
death on the cross, through faith in the degree of light bestowed
upon them, they are to be regarded as partakers, in (heir measure,
and according to their capacity, of the body and blood of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In stating this point I do not forget that the heathen world, both
in ancient and modern times, has been found, generally speaking, in
a state of great blindness and degradation, as compared with that
part of mankind which has the outward knowledge of Christ, and
that their moral responsibility is small in proportion : and I freely
confess my belief (also in unison with Friends from their first origin
until now) that the immediate and perceptible guidance and govern-
ment of the Holy Spirit are preeminently enjoyed by true believers
in Christ — the living members of the Christian Church. To these
was addressed the language — " Ye have an unction from the Holy
One, and ye know all things ;" and again, " The anointing which ye
have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man
teach you : but as the same anointing tcachcth you of all things,
and is truth, and is rio lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall
abide in him:" 1 John ii, 20, 27. Although directly miraculous
gifts, and that extraordinary measure of inspiration which the
apostles received, were peculiarly adapted to the first settlement of
Christianity in the world, and (without daring to limit the operations
of divine power) we do not look for them in the present day, yet I
am well assured that the promise of the Holy Ghost as a perceptible
guide to truth and righteousness, and as the only qualifier for the
exercise of those gifts which arc instrumental for the edification and
enlargement of the church, were not confined to primitive days, but
are the inheritance of the people of God, under the gospel dispensation,
to the end of time. That promise was not only to the first believers,
but to their children, and to all that were afar off, even to as many
as the Lord 'their God should call : Acts ii, 39. The Holy Ghost,
the Comforter, was to abide with the church "for ever :" John xiv, 16.
" As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, (to
Israel's Messiah ;) My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words
which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth,

590

APPENDIX.

nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's
seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever :" Isaiah lix, 21.

If I am asked in what respects, according to my belief, the imme-
diate and perceptible operation of the Holy Spirit is experienced by
true Christians, I answer,

First, in that divine teaching and illumination by which the truths
of our holy religion are made clear to the mind, and by which the
mind is brought into such a condition, as to be able fully to receive
and appropriate them; more especially in deepening those convictions
of sin, and strengthening that living faith, of which the Spirit Him-
self is the very Source and Author.

Secondly, in the application of the general moral principles declared
in Scripture, to every particular exigency or question which may arise
in the course of our lives — there being a swift witness for God within
us, instructing our conscience, and plainly showing us, on every suc-
cessive occasion which recpuires it, in what way that love to God and
man which is the fulfilling of the law, is to be brought into practice
— what we ought to do, as responsible moral agents, and what to leave
undone. And here I would remark, that according to my apprehen-
sion of the subject, it is on this ground, in connection with a simple
obedience to the precepts of our Lord and his apostles, that Friends
have so long been led to bear an open practical testimony against war
in all its forms, against oaths under whatsoever circumstance or pre-
text, against the sin of trading in our fellow-men, and of holding
them in slavery, against the vain amusements and heartless dissipa-
tion of the world, against extravagance and useless ornament in dress
or furniture, and against all that is opposed to Christian simplicity
and truth, in the modes of behaviour and address current amongst
men.

Third!//, in the call to his own particular line of duty, of every
living member of the church, for the welfare of the body, and for
the advancement of the cause of truth and righteousness ; seeing that
"the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit
withal:" 1 Cor. xii, 7 ; — an ofiice of the Comforter wholly independ-
ent of the sacred records; for while Scripture abounds in descriptions
of spiritual gifts, and of their true origin and operation, the call of
the individual member of the church to the exercise of any particular
gift, is a matter which belongs to the hidden counsels and sole
prerogative of the Saviour himself ; and is made known to the
Christian only by the immediate and perceptible light and guidance
of the Holy Spirit. These remarks apply with especial force to the

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

597

gift or office of the Christian ministry. I am one with the Society
of Friends in openly declaring my conviction, that it is the great
Head of the Church alone who selects 'and ordains his own ministers,
calls them into his service, qualifies them hy his Spirit for the
performance of it, and graciously directs them as to the time, place,
and matter of their communications — the immediate putting forth
and anointing of the Holy Ghost heing indispensahle, not only for
the first entrance on the work, but for the continued exercise of it,
on every successive occasion. I also believe — as Friends have always
declared — that in accordance with the prophecy of Joel ii, 28, and
with the experience of the earliest Christian believers, the " gift of
prophecy" — that is, of ministry uttered under the immediate influ-
ence of the Spirit — is graciously imparted to persons of both sexes ;
and that as it is freely received, so it must be communicated to others,
without money and without price. Incapable in its own nature of
being appointed, provided, or hired by men, and coming from the
Lord alone, it ought to be exercised in simple conformity to his will,
under the immediate teaching and government of his Spirit, without
any secular end in view, and for the sole purpose of the glory of God
our Saviour.

Here I think it right to remark, that I fully unite with Friends in
approving and maintaining their excellent practice of sitting down
in silence for the public worship of Almighty God; for while this
mode of worship alone consists with our principles respecting the
ministry as now stated, it is peculiarly adapted to that prostration of
soul before the Lord, that patient waiting upon him, and that listen-
ing to the immediate teaching of his Spirit, which are essential to a
real growth in grace, and to the solid formation of the Christian
character. Nor ought such a practice to be confined to public occa-
sions, for "it is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth;
he sitteth alone and Icecpeth silence, because he hath borne it upon
him ; he puttcth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be
hope :" Lam. iii, 27 — 29. Compare Robert Barclay on Immediate
Revelation, universal and saving light, worship and ministry :
Apology, Prop. ii. vi. x. xi.

III. Justification.

By this term I understand the forgiveness and acceptance, with
God, of the penitent sinner, for the sake and through the mediation
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood.
This is a doctrine absolutely fundamental and essential in Christianity,

598

APPENDIX.

and has always been steadily maintained by the Society of Friends.
It ought, however, to be inseparably associated in our minds, with the
equally important truth, that " without holiness no man can see the
Lord," and that we cannot avail ourselves of the mercy of God in
Christ Jesus, unless, being born again of the Spirit, we heartily repent
of our sins, resolutely forsake and renounce them, and humbly endea-
vour, through divine aid, to walk in the light. "There is, therefore,
now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit;" Rom. viii, 1. "If we walk
in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship one with
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all
sin 1 John ii, 7.

I can most freely subscribe to the following declarations made by
the Society of Friends as a body, and by some of its most eminent
members, on this cardinal and vital topic.

" Christ gave himself, his body, for the life of the whole world, and
paid the debt and made satisfaction, and doth enlighten every man
that comes into the world, that all through him might believe ; and
he that doth not believe in the offering is condemned already." —
George Fox — Great Mystery, p. 63. Evans, p. 29.

" Christ Jesus the Immanuel, God with us; whom all the Angels
must worship ; Christ offered himself through the eternal Spirit with-
out spot to God, and by his blood purges our consciences from dead
works to serve the living God. And so we know that Christ, by one
offering, for ever perfected them that are sanctified. And so as people
walk in the light, they have fellowship one with another, and the
blood of Christ cleanseth them from all sin. And Christ his own self
bare our sins in his body on the tree, that we being delivered from sin
should live unto righteousness — by whose stripes you are healed. And
we, being justified by the blood of Christ, shall be saved from wrath
through him ; for if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God
by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved
by his life." — Epistle issued by the Society in 1688 : Evans, pp.
29, 30.

"This Jesus, who was the Foundation of the holy prophets and
apostles, is our Foundation ; and we believe there is no other
foundation to be laid, but that which is laid, even Christ Jesus, who
tasted death for every man, shed his blood for all men, is the
propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins
of the whole world, according as John the Baptist testified of him,

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

509

when he said, ' Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of
the world.' " — Letter from George Fox to the Council and Govern-
ment of Barbadoes : Evans, p. 32.

" We do not hereby intend " (that is by enforcing the necessity of
obedience to the Holy Spirit) " any ways to lessen or derogate from
the atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ ; but, on the contrary, do
magnify and exalt it. For as. we believe all those things to have
been certainly transacted which are recorded in the Holy Scriptures
concerning the birth, life, miracles, sufferings, resurrection, and
ascension of Christ ; so we also believe that it is the duty of every
one to believe it, to whom it pleases God to reveal the same; yea, we
believe it were dumnable unbelief not to believe it when so declared,
but to resist that holy seed, which as minded, would lead and incline
everyone to believe it, as it is offered unto them." Robert Barclay's
Apology, Evans, p. 43.

Again, " As we believe it was necessary that Christ should come,
that by his death and sufferings he might offer up himself a sacrifice
to God for our sins who his own self bare our sins in his own body
on the tree, so ice believe that the remission of sins, which any partake
of, is only in and by virtue of that most satisfactory sacrifice, and no
othencise." — Idem.

"In him (Christ) we have life, and, by faith, atonement in his
blood." — William Perm's Works: Evans, p. 49.

" We are led by the light and spirit of Christ, with holy reverence
to confess unto the blood of Christ shed at Jerusalem, as that by
which a propitiation was held forth for the remission of the sins that
were past, through the forbearance of God unto all that believe." —
William Penn's Works, p. 411 : Evans, p. 54.

" We do own first that the Word of God, the only begotten of the
Father, did take up a body of the flesh of the Virgin Mary, who was
of the seed of David, according to the Scriptures, and did the will of
the Father therein, in holy obedience unto him both in life and death.

Secondly, That he did offer up the flesh and blood of that body;
though not only so, for he poured out his soul, he poured out his life,
a sacrifice or offering for sin, (do not, oh do not stumble at it, but
rather wait on the Lord to understand it; for we speak in this matter
what we know,) a sacrifice unto the Father, and in it tasted death
for every man, and that it is in consideration and through God's
acceptance of this sacrifice for sin, that the sins of believers are
pardoned, that God might be just, and the justifier of him that

GOO

APPENDIX.

bclieveth in Jesus, or who is of the faith of Jesus." — Isaac Penning-
ton ; Works : Evans, p. 87.

" Question. Are you justified by that blood of Christ that was
shed at Jerusalem 1"

"Answer. By the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God,
who was the express image of the Father's glory, in whom dwelt the
fulness of the Godhead really, who suffered at Mount Calvary, by
Jerusalem, for sinners, am I justified." — Humfrey Smith: Evans,
p. 94.

Richard Claridge, like some other writers of our society, has
treated on Justification as consisting of two parts; first, the forgive-
ness of the penitent sinner through faith in Christ crucified; and
secondly, purification from sin by the power of the Holy Ghost. For
my own part, I am accustomed to describe the latter by the term
" Sanctification." Nevertheless, I am one with him in his Christian
doctrine. "By the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, without us," says
he, " we, truly repenting and believing, arc, through the mercy of
God, justified from the imputation of sins and transgressions that are
past, as though they had never been committed ; and by the mighty
work of Christ within us, the power, habits, and nature of sin arc
destroyed; that as sin once reigned unto death, even so now grace
reigneth unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord ; and all this is
effected, not by a bare or naked act of faith, separate from obedience,
but in the obedience of faith ; Christ being the author of eternal
salvation to none but those who obey him." — On Justification, p.
79.

" Mre do, indeed, renounce the profession of justification by the
imputation of Christ, or his righteousness performed without men,
by men while they are in the degenerated estate, and unconverted
and unreconciled, and unborn again; for, by such profession of justi-
fication, many deceive their souls. But yet we say that righteousness
is imputed to us, and reckoned unto us, who believe in Christ, and
have received, him ; even the obedience and sufferings that he per-
formed without us, are ours who have received him within us, and
therefore we are not reprobates; yea, we do acknowledge that he
wrought perfect righteousness by obedience and sufferings, and that
righteousness is ours by faith." — Edicard Burrough, -" Satan's
Design Defeated ;" Evans, p. 99.

A safer or more satisfactory declaration than this of the true
doctrine of justification by faith, as it is held by every sound

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

601

Christian, cannot surely be required by the most ardent advocate of
evangelical truth. Those who accuse the early members of our
religious society of unsoundness in Christian doctrine, are little
aware how remarkably they were distinguished by a firm, unbending
faith in Christ as the Saviour of the world, and by that ardent love
for him, which constrained them to devote themselves to his service,
and to follow him faithfully, through many and deep sufferings,
even unto death. Conscientiously do I affirm, that although I may
have used terms somewhat different from those which some of them
employed, and have occasionally taken a different view of particular
passages of Scripture, we have advocated one and the same precious
Truth — even the " Truth as it is in Jesus." Most willing were
they at all times to confess — as the Society has frequently done in its
corporate capacity — that -Jesus Christ, in all his gracious offices, is
the only Foundation which can be laid in Zion ; that all our hopes
of salvation are in him ; that it is through his perfect obedience, and
propitiatory offering on the cross, that we poor sinners receive the
forgiveness of our sins, and are placed in possession of a well-grounded
hope, full of immortality — and that a living faith in him is the
appointed means by which we are made partakers of these free mercies
of God our Father. By this faith did our forefathers in the truth
spiritually eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood ; and,
being richly favoured with this inward experience, they neither
required nor admitted any outward ceremony, in divine worship, to
remind them of the death of their Lord.

Equally willing have I always been, and still am, to acknowledge
that (as they frequently declared, and as the society itself has never
failed to testify) we cannot truly come unto Christ, except the Father
who hath sent him, draw us — that the influence by which the Father
draws us to the Son is that of the Holy Spirit, who convinces of sin,
bestows true repentance, and lays the sinner prostrate at the feet of
the Saviour; and finally, that except we be thoroughly cleansed from
our iniquities by the baptism which saves — even the one baptism of
Christianity, which is with the Holy Ghost — and thus become new
creatures in Christ Jesus, we can never obtain that glorious inhe-
ritance which the Saviour has purchased for us with his own
blood.

The following extract from a declaration of faith, issued by the
Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia, in 1828, (the time of the
Hicksite separation,) is so clearly to the point, and so excellent, that

002

APPENDIX.

I think it right to subjoin it to the quotations already given. ""We
believe that nothing man can do, or suffer, will atone for, or cancel
his sins. They are remitted by the mercy of God, through Christ
Jesus our Lord, for the sake of the sufferings and death of Christ,
and it is the power and efficacy of that propitiatory offering, upon
faith and repentance, that justifies both Jews and Gentiles from the
sins that are past; and it is the power of Christ's spirit, in our
hearts, that purifies and makes us acceptable before God. ' Being
justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus
Christ; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith
in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
that are past, through the forbearance of God ; to declare I say at
this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier
of him which believeth in Jesus :' Rom. iii, 24 — 2G. ' But God
commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners
Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him*. For, if when
we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,
much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And
not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement:' Rom. v, 8 — 11.

"Not only do the Separatists deny the universal efficacy of the
offering of our Lord, and term the imputation of his righteousness,
as the ground of our acceptance, a pernicious and absurd idea, but
they appear to rejoice in the hope, that the doctrine will be dis-
carded, as the fruit of the apostacy, from the Christian faith. Be-
lieving, as we do, that it is only as we come to be divested of our
own righteousness, and of all confidence in it, and through divine
mercy clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ, that any can.
have a firm ground whereon to rest their hope of salvation, we
sincerely deplore the delusion of those, who thus wantonly deprive
themselves of that hope which maketh not ashamed, and entereth
within the veil."

IV. The Doctrine of the Trinity.

I have never thought it right, either in preaching or writing, to
make use of this term, which is scholastic in its origin, and is liable
to misconstruction ; but I consider the doctrine itself, though far
beyond the reach of the natural understanding of man, to be plainly

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

603

set forth in Scripture j and so far am T from regarding it as merely
theoretical in its nature, that I accept it as of the highest practical
importance in the experience of every true believer.

No one who has an experimental knowledge of the great plan of
redemption, and calmly reflects on its several features, can fail to
perceive that the proper divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, is one of those amazing truths which impart a living efficacy
to the whole ; for while he offered up himself on the cross as man,
yet. was he omnipotent, lecause of his deity, to bear the weight of
the sins of all mankind, and just in proportion to the supreme
dignity of the sufferer, is the comprehensiveness of the hope and
joy which we derive from his sufferings. " He that spared not His
own Son, hut delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him
also freely give us all things V Rom. viii, 32. Again, where is
the individual convinced of the truth, as Friends have ever held it,
who will not allow that it is in virtue of his glorious Godhead, that
Christ governs his universal church by the immediate influence of
his Spirit ; and that he is by the same Spirit " the true light which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world V

It would be irrelevant for me here to adduce the clear and fre-
quently repeated testimony of Scripture to the deity of Christ.
Suffice it to say, that this testimony- was accepted and promulgated
without reserve by our earliest predecessors in the truth, and has
always been maintained inviolate by the Society of Friends, to the
present day. Nor has the faith of our religious body been less
scriptural, or less explicitly declared, respecting the Divinity of the
Holy Spirit ; for where is the sound believer who does not acknow-
ledge that the Comforter, even the Holy Ghost, whom the Father
sends to us in the name of the Son, to dwell with us and in us, and
to guide us into all truth, (John xiv, 17, and xvi, 13 ;) against whom
it is an unpardonable sin to blaspheme, (Mark iii, 29;) into whose
name the true convert is baptized, as well as into the name of the
Father, and of the Son, (Matt, xxviii, 19 ;) who divideth to every
man severally in the church, "as he will," (1 Cor. xii, 11,) is himself
truly and properly God ? Yet, although the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, are all three presented to us in Scripture as actually
divine, and as severally distinguished by relative properties, in the
economy of grace — it is still the same mind, the same power, the
same essence. The whole Scripture assures us that there is but one
God — even the immutable and everlasting Jehovah — and, therefore,

004

APPENDIX.

these Three arc One. And here I wish it to be distinctly understood,
that when in any of my writings I have adverted to the " personality,"
or " personal attributes" of the Holy Spirit, I have had no intention
whatsoever to convey the idea that the Comforter possesses a personal
form ; much less to represent him as an object of worship separate
from God ; but only to show, that so far from being a mere influence,
he must be regarded as a divine intelligent Agent, truly One with the
Father and the Son.

My belief on the subject cannot be better expressed than in the
following declarations of the early members of our religious society: —

"We believe concerning the Father, Son, and Spirit, according
to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, which we receive and
embrace as the most authentic and perfect declaration of Christian
faith, being indited by the Holy Spirit of God, that never errs ; —
1st. That there is one God and Father, of whom are all things.
2nd. That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom all things were
made, who was glorified of the Father before the world began, who
is God, over all, blessed for ever. 3rd. That there is one Holy
Spirit, the promise of the Father and the Son, the leader, sanctifier.
and comforter of his people. And we further believe, as the Holy
Scriptures soundly and sufficiently express, that these three are one
— even the Father, the Word, and the Spirit." — Georc/e Fox's
Answer to all such as falsely sa// the Quakers are no Christians, pp.
26, 27 : Evans, p. 3.

" So, being led by the Spirit of God, ye are his sons and daughters,
and, by his Spirit, will come to know the Three that bear witness
in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. These are
the three witnesses that are in heaven, that bear record of all
things ; for he is God in the heaven, and God in the earth." — George
Fox's Epistles : Evans, p. 3.

" There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are One. The Father
is in the Son, and the Son is in the Father. No man knoweth the
Son but the Father, neither knoweth any man the Father but the
Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. The Spirit
searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For the things
of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now the Saints
have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of
God, that they might know the things which are freely given to
them of God. For the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom

DECLARATION OF FAITII.

(10.-,

die Father sends in Christ's name, He teacheth them all things, and
hringeth all things to their remembrance." — Robert Barclay's Con-
fession of Faith, p. 104 : Evans, p. 5.

" Perversion 9. The Quakers deny the Trinity. Principle —
Nothing less. They believe in the Holy Three, or Trinity of
Father, Word, and Spirit, according to Scripture, and that these
Three are truly and properly One — of one nature as well as will."

— William Perm's Key, d'c. : Evans, p. 7.

" The Holy Scripture Trinity, or Three thereby meant, we never
questioned, but believed ; as also the unity of essence ; that they are
one substance, one divine, infinite Being; and also we question not,
but sincerely believe, the relative properties of Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, according to Holy Scripture testimony, and that these Three
are One." — George Whitehead, p. 195: Evans, p. 8.

"Now consider seriously, if a man from his heart believe thus con-
cerning the eternal power and Godhead, that the Father is God, the
Word God, the Holy Spirit, God, and that these are one eternal God

— waiting so to know God, and to be subject to him accordingly — is
not this man in a right frame of heart towards the Lord in this
respect ? Indeed, friends, we do know God sensibly and experiment-
ally, to be a Father, Word, and Spirit; and we worship the Father
in the Son, by his own Spirit, and here meet with the seal of accept-
ance in him." — Isaac Pennington's Antichrist Unmasked, p. 27 :
Evans, p. 10.

To these explicit testimonies, given forth on behalf of the body, by
eminent individuals, may be added the following declaration solemnly
made by the Society, a. d. 1693.

"We sincerely profess faith in God by his only begotten Son
Jesus Christ, as being our light and life, our only way to the Father,
and also our only Mediator and Advocate with the Father.

"That God created all things; he made the world by his Son
.Jesus Christ, he being that powerful and living Word by whom all
things were made; and that the Father, the Word, and Holy Spirit
are one ; in Divine Being inseparable ; one true, living, and eternal
God blessed for ever." Signed on behalf of our Christian profession
and ■people aforesaid— George Whitehead, Ambrose Rigg, <tc, &c. —
Sewel's History, vol. ii, p. 499.

Under the full conviction that this is a subject, above all others,
on which it were very foolishness to attempt to be wise above that
which is written, and under a solemn sense of the importance of our
faithfully adhering to the doctrine of the Oneness of Jehovah, I will

60G

APPENDIX.

now conclude my declaration of faith, on this grand, essential article,
in words which I have already published. They were suggested to
me, many years ago, by a venerable minister of the gospel, who
dearly loved our religious Society, and faithfully adhered to its
acknowledged principles to his dying day.

" While the Christian rejoices in the distinct characters and offices of
the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, so graciously revealed to us for our
instruction and edification, he probably never finds his soul bowed
down with so deep a reverence, or filled with so pure a delight, as
when he contemplates the Almighty as an ineffable glory — an incom-
municable name — an infinite and incomprehensible Unity."

Although I have now given a full and explicit answer, as I trust,
to the inquiry of my friend Stephen A. Chase, I am best satisfied to
add a short explanation of my belief on two points which he has not
mentioned — the resurrection of the body, and the sabbath.

My convictions on the former subject are well stated in the
following sentences selected from the declaration of faith made by
the Society of Friends, in 1693, and already cited under a preceding
head.

" Concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the great day of
judgment yet to come, beyond the grave, or after death, and Christ's
coming, without us, to judge the quick and the dead, what the Holy
Scriptures plainly declare and testify in these matters, we have been
always ready to embrace. For the doctrine of the resurrection ; if in
this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most mise-
rable : 1 Cor. xv, 19. We sincerely believe not only a resurrection
in Christ from the fallen, sinful state here, but a rising and ascending
into glory with him hereafter ; that when he at last appears, we may
appear with him in glory : Col. iii, 4; 1 John iii, 2.

" But that all the wicked who live in rebellion against the light of
grace, and die finally impenitent, shall come forth to the resurrection
of condemnation.

"The soul or spirit of every man or woman shall be reserved in
its own distinct and proper being, and shall have its proper body as
God is pleased to give it : 1 Cor. xv. A natural body is sown, a
spiritual body is raised; that being first which is natural, and after-
wards that which is spiritual. And though it is said that this
corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put
on immortality, the change shall be such as that " flesh and blood

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

G07

cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither shall corruption inherit
incorruption :" 1 Cor. xv. We shall be raised cut of all corruption
and corruptibility, out of all mortality; and the children of God and
of the resurrection shall be equal to the angels of God in heaven.
And as the celestial bodies do far excel the terrestrial, so we expect
our spiritual bodies in the resurrection shall far excel what our bodies
now arc." To which declaration may be added the words of John
Crook : — "We believe that we shall be raised with the same bodies.^
so far as natural and spiritual, corruptible and incorruptible, terres-
trial and celestial, can be the same." Evans, p. 114.

Similar declarations were frequently made during the times when
Friends were exposed to much controversy as well as persecution.
On this subject, I have only to add, that while the testimony of Scrip-
ture to the resurrection of the dead, and a future day of general
judgment, is both unquestionable and abundant, and was fully received
and admitted by our early Friends, it may also be clearly proved from
Scripture, (as Friends have always maintained,) that the rational soul
of man exists immediately after death, either in happiness or woe ;
and that it is only as we experience what it is to be raised from our
death in trespasses and sins, and quickened into newness of life by
the power of the Holy Ghost, that we can possibly be fitted for the
awful change which awaits us all, from probation to retribution,
and from a brief sojourn in this passing scene, to a fixed but bound-
less immortality.

With respect to the " Sabbath," I wish it to be distinctly under-
stood, that in sometimes applying that term to the first day of the
week, as it is observed among Christians, I have had a view to the
simple meaning of the Hebrew word, viz. — "cessation from labour."
I am perfectly aware that the maintenance of the Jewish Sabbath,
observed as it was and is on the seventh day of the week, and with
a ceremonial strictness which appertained only to the Mosaic law, is,
under the gospel dispensation, no longer obligatory. And while I
am of the judgment that the setting apart of one day, after everyl
recurring period of six days' labour, for the blessed purposes of rest
and worship, is not to be regarded as a matter of mere expediency,
but as a moral and religious duty, truly belonging to the law of our
God, I fully unite in the sentiment expressed by Robert Barclay and
others of our early Friends, that no portion of time ought to be
regarded by Christians as in itself holier than another — that all our
time is the Lord's — and that ceasing from our own wicked works,
and all the willing and running of the carnal mind, we must press

APPENDIX.

forward after that glorious rest, (typified by the Sabbath of the Jews,)
of which a precious foretaste is bestowed even here, and which is
perfected, for the people of God, in the world to come.

Joseph John Gurney, of Earlham, in the county of the city of
Norwich, a minister of the gospel in the Society of Friends,
on his solemn affirmation saith, that the declaration con-
tained in the foregoing part of this sheet, and printed in
eight columns, is a true and honest declaration of his
Christian faith on the several articles therein stated; and
that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, he has held
the same sentiments for more than thirty years.
J. J. GURNEY,

of Earlham, near Norwich, Englaud.

Declared and affirmed leforc us, at the Guildhall, in the
City of Norwich, the first day of August, One Thousand
Eight Hundred and Forty-six.

John Betts, Mayor of the City of Norwich,

and County of the same.
George D. Lynn, Justice of the Peace of the

City of Norwich, and County of the same.
J. H. Barnard, Justice of the Peace of the

City of Norwich, and County of the same.

THE END.